Towards the end of the pre-colonial era in Europe, due to the fall of Constantinople, many European countries felt the need to find an alternative route to the East Indies. The trade in rare goods such as spices, rice, exotic fruits and silk fabrics was in high demand, but at extreme prices. At the start of the "Age of Exploration", Portugal was at the forefront with early explorers Henry the Navigator, Zarco and Tristao Vaz Teixeira, and Diogo Silves respectively discovering the islands of Madeira, the Azores and the exploration of Africa, but King John II of Portugal was unconvinced by Christopher Columbus' calls to finance his plan to sail west to the East Indies. Columbus made many demands for personal profit, including ten percent of all wealth he returned with, and even an "Admiralty." Subsequently, Columbus presented his plans to Queen Isabella of Spain. Spain acquiesced and Columbus set off on his fateful journey. The Roman Catholic Church was very interested in spreading the Christian faith at this time and exerted its influence on the monarchy. Religion also played an important personal role, as Columbus sincerely believed that God spoke to him and guided his hand. Additionally, at that time in Europe, land and food were scarce. Monarchs of the time were fully aware that acquiring more land, slave labor, and eventually natural resources would greatly increase their power, prestige, and subsequent wealth. After learning of Columbus's successful return and the Treaty of Tordesillas (which divided the New World between Spain and Portugal), King Henry VII of England threw himself into the ring and sent John Cabot from Bristol to attempt to find a shorter route. in “Indies”. Not to be outdone middle of paper......sperity in Europe, but in fact changed their whole way of life. Along with an exuberance of gold and silver, plants like corn, tobacco, potatoes, tomatoes, chocolate, sugar and a myriad of other fruits and vegetables were introduced into the diet. European. The humble potato was particularly adopted by the Irish; Tomatoes, the Spanish ones; and tobacco, throughout the world. Due to the increased food supply, the European population exploded and necessitated the subsequent colonization of the "New World". Quote: "These people are very unskilled in arms...with 50 men they could all be subjugated and forced to do all this." we wanted it. – Christopher ColumbusWorks CitedThe Worlds of Christopher Columbus by William D. Phillips Jr. and Carla Rahn Philips www.noblesandcourtiers.org/portugueseexplorers www.thornr.demon.co.uk/kchrist/phenry.htmlwww.history2u.com/book1_discovert.htm