Were Spain, Portugal or Britain (or any other early explorers) motivated or affected by the fall of constantinople in terms of their motivation to explore new trade rotues?

by Carbonated_Pea

The general concensus online seems to be that they didnt react much at all yet little evidence has been shown for this claim. I understand the lack of sources surrounding the topic is also telling of the reaction but it would be great to hear more about the topic. Any response would be greatly appreciated however if you link your source that would be great.

terminus-trantor

I've written about it few times before,

To put it simply, the Iberians just wanted to get to the source of spices and buy them cheap and sell expensive in Europe, Ottoman actions and fall of Constantiniople don't really matter in this decision process.

also:

I recommend reading all of the links as some provide more data and sources than the others, but to sum some of the sources here:

Sources on Egypt being the main trade route, in no particular order (maybe chronological by publishing):

Sources on Afonso V and his crusade is mentioned in:

  • Foundations of the Portuguese empire in Asia 1415 -1580 by Diffie, Winius has a small section titled: Portugal and the Fall of the Byzantine Empire which says that Afonso V responded to the crusade call and started preparations
  • Prince Henry the Navigator: A Life by Peter Russel