How did the discovery of new trade routes impact European powers and their rivalries?

The discovery of new trade routes during the Age of Exploration had a significant impact on European powers and their rivalries.

Firstly, the discovery of new trade routes, such as the sea route to India by Vasco da Gama, allowed European powers to bypass the traditional land routes controlled by the Ottoman Empire. This led to a decrease in the cost of goods and an increase in profits for European merchants, which in turn fueled economic growth and the development of capitalism.

Secondly, the exploration and colonization of new territories brought about intense competition among European powers. The desire to control and exploit the resources and wealth of these newly discovered lands led to rivalries and conflicts between nations. This competition for colonies and trade routes resulted in the formation of powerful empires, such as the Spanish and Portuguese empires, as well as the rise of mercantilism as an economic policy.

Furthermore, the discovery of new trade routes also led to the establishment of global trading networks. European powers, such as Spain, Portugal, England, and the Netherlands, competed to establish colonies and trading posts in strategic locations around the world. These trading networks not only facilitated the exchange of goods but also spread European influence and culture to different parts of the world.

Overall, the discovery of new trade routes during the Age of Exploration had a profound impact on European powers and their rivalries. It fueled economic growth, intensified competition for resources and colonies, and established global trading networks that shaped the course of history.