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

Europeans sought to convert new people to Christianity to counteract Islamic influence.

Europeans were desperate to get to China before the Chinese were converted to Islam.

Europeans were compelled to search for sea trade routes to Asia to avoid crossing Islamic lands.

Europeans who contributed to the Crusades were exposed to different cultures and languages.

Question

In what way might the expansion of Islam have contributed to the European expansion in the modern era?

 Europeans sought to convert new people to Christianity to counteract Islamic influence.

 Europeans were desperate to get to China before the Chinese were converted to Islam.

 Europeans were compelled to search for sea trade routes to Asia to avoid crossing Islamic lands.

 Europeans who contributed to the Crusades were exposed to different cultures and languages.

anonymous · Answer

Europeans were compelled to search for sea trade routes to Asia to avoid crossing Islamic lands. 

The Ottoman Empire had defeated the Byzantines in the 15th century and took control of the land routes passing from the markets in China and India to the West, levying hefty taxes and fees on the trade of spices and goods which Europe wanted to avoid.