Question

in what way might the expansion of islam have contributed to the european expansion in the modern era

Answer 1

When the Seljuk Turks (followed by the Ottoman Turks) gained control of the Middle East, they brought a very conservative brand of Islam [ with them; which placed high tariffs (a tariff is a tax on goods traded) on European traders. These tariffs/taxes were so high, it led Europeans to seek alternate routes of trade with Asia.

Answer 2

I just looked it up :P