Question

In what way might the expansion of Islam have contributed to the European expansion in the modern era?

Answer 1

Europeans were compelled to search for sea trade routes to Asia to avoid crossing Islamic lands.When the Seljuk Turks gained control of the Middle East, they brought a very conservative brand of Islam with them; which placed high tariffs on European traders. The tariffs/taxes were so high it led Europeans to seek alternate routes of trade with Asia.