According to the passage, which factor was crucial for the success of 15th-century explorations?

According to the passage, which factor was crucial for the success of 15th-century explorations?

• A. The development of better shipbuilding techniques.
• B. The availability of navigational technology like the compass.
• C. The discovery of new continents.
• D. The establishment of trade agreements with other nations.

Answer: (B)

The success of 15th-century explorations was significantly influenced by the availability of navigational technology, particularly the compass. This tool allowed explorers to determine direction more accurately, which was essential for navigating uncharted waters. The compass provided a reliable means to maintain a course over long distances, contributing to successful voyages across the oceans. While advancements in shipbuilding techniques, discoveries of new continents, and trade agreements were important factors in the broader context of exploration, it was the navigational technology that directly enabled explorers to undertake their journeys with a greater degree of confidence and precision. Without this technology, many voyages might have ended in failure due to the difficulties of navigation at sea.

The success of 15th-century explorations was significantly influenced by the availability of navigational technology, particularly the compass. This tool allowed explorers to determine direction more accurately, which was essential for navigating uncharted waters. The compass provided a reliable means to maintain a course over long distances, contributing to successful voyages across the oceans.

While advancements in shipbuilding techniques, discoveries of new continents, and trade agreements were important factors in the broader context of exploration, it was the navigational technology that directly enabled explorers to undertake their journeys with a greater degree of confidence and precision. Without this technology, many voyages might have ended in failure due to the difficulties of navigation at sea.