Question

Why did the Europeans want an all-water route to the orient?

Answer 1

The Italians had a monopoly on Mediterranean trade. Extremely high prices were caused by the difficulty of moving Eastern goods to Europe. Ships traveling water routes could carry more goods.

Answer 2

The reasons why the Europeans wanted an all-water route to the orient were the following:

The Italians had a monopoly on Mediterranean trade.

Ottoman Turks had captured Constantinople.

Extremely high prices were caused by the difficulty of moving Eastern goods to Europe.

Ships traveling water routes could carry more goods.