What Driven Motivation Led John Cabot to Seek What He Found- Unveiling His Quest for Discovery

What did John Cabot want to find? This question has intrigued historians and adventurers alike for centuries. John Cabot, an Italian explorer, embarked on a daring voyage in 1497 with the hopes of discovering a new route to Asia, a quest that would have profound implications for the world.

John Cabot’s desire to find a new route to Asia stemmed from the lucrative trade that European nations sought to establish with the East. At the time, the only known route to Asia was through the treacherous and expensive Silk Road, which was controlled by the Ottoman Empire. This led European explorers to dream of a western route, a passage that would bypass the Ottomans and open up direct trade with the lucrative markets of Asia.

Cabot, who was born in Genoa, Italy, and later moved to England, was a mariner and navigator by trade. He had a vision of reaching Asia by sailing westward across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1497, he secured funding from the English government and set sail with his son, Sebastian, and a crew of about 18 men. His ship, the Matthew, was small and equipped with basic navigation tools, but Cabot’s determination and knowledge of the seas were unmatched.

Upon reaching North America, Cabot claimed the land for England, naming it “New Found Land.” While he did not find the Asian markets he was seeking, his discovery of the New World was a significant achievement. It laid the groundwork for future explorers, such as Christopher Columbus, who would eventually reach the Americas and establish a direct route to Asia.

In conclusion, what John Cabot wanted to find was a new route to Asia, a goal that would change the course of history. His journey led to the discovery of North America and opened the door to a new era of exploration and colonization. Today, we can still marvel at Cabot’s bravery and the impact of his quest to find a new path to the East.