How did changes in control of the silk road affect europe's decisions about trade? a. many in europe hoped to explore new land routes because of the increase in french control of the silk road. b. european countries began fighting over control of the silk road, which inspired a renewed interest in enhancing important trade cities such as constantinople. c. some european countries would begin to explore possible water trade routes, in hopes of securing their own control over trade. d. european countries began to install tariffs on any imported goods in order to profit from the arrival of middlemen.