In the 1400s, Europe had high demand for consumer products (particularly spices, manufactures, and textiles) from Asia and Africa, but trouble obtaining them. Among the reasons for this, we've highlighted three: trading monopolies by overland empires, the fact that Europe produced few items desired by Asians and Africans, and a shortage in Europe of precious metals. Discuss how Europe overcame these three obstacles over the next several centuries, eventually dominating trade and extractive relationships with Asia, Africa, and the Americas.