Question

during the 1400s, portugal and spain both explored the atlantic ocean to establish direct routes to asia. most european trade with asia took place in the mediterranean region at that time. what was one factor that led portugal and spain to explore along the atlantic ocean to achieve their goal?○ muslim and italian merchants dominated trade in the mediterranean.○ they believed that trading for goods in the americas would be more rewarding.○ chinese and indian ships had already traveled to the atlantic region for trade.○ portuguese and spanish ships could not travel long distances.

Explanation:

In the 1400s, Mediterranean trade with Asia was controlled by Muslim and Italian merchants, creating high costs and barriers for Portugal and Spain. Seeking to bypass this control and gain direct access to Asian goods, they explored Atlantic routes to find alternative paths to Asia. The other options are incorrect: the Americas were not the initial focus, Chinese/Indian ships were not active in the Atlantic for this trade, and Portuguese/Spanish ships were capable of long-distance travel.

Answer:

A. Muslim and Italian merchants dominated trade in the Mediterranean.