12.2 Early Portuguese and Spanish Voyages
6 min read•july 30, 2024
Early Portuguese and Spanish voyages marked the start of European exploration and . Portugal focused on finding a sea route to Asia, exploring Africa's coast. Spain, led by Columbus, stumbled upon the Americas, sparking a rush for gold and empire-building.
These expeditions reshaped global trade and power dynamics. Portugal broke Venice's monopoly on Asian goods, while Spain's American conquests brought vast wealth. Both nations spread Christianity and European culture, often with devastating consequences for indigenous peoples.
Portuguese and Spanish Expeditions of the 15th Century
Portuguese Exploration of Africa
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- Portugal began exploring the west coast of Africa in the early 15th century, gradually moving further south in search of a sea route to Asia
- Key expeditions included Dias rounding the Cape of Good Hope in 1488, the southernmost point of Africa
- In 1497-1499, led the first Portuguese voyage around Africa to India, opening up direct trade with Asia
- Portuguese explorers established fortified trading posts along the African coast (Elmina, Mozambique) rather than large colonies
Spanish Voyages to the Americas
- , sponsored by Spain, made four voyages to the Americas between 1492-1504
- Landed in the Bahamas, Hispaniola (Haiti/Dominican Republic), and the
- Voyages marked the beginning of the European exploration and colonization of the Americas
- Spanish explorers focused on finding gold and silver and establishing colonial empires in the Americas
- Conquered and colonized the Aztec (Mexico) and Inca (Peru) empires
- Sent settlers to establish permanent colonies in the Caribbean and mainland Americas
- Pedro Álvares Cabral claimed Brazil for Portugal in 1500 after being blown off course on a voyage to India
Division of the World
- The 1494 divided the world outside Europe between Portugal and Spain
- Portugal gained rights to Africa, Asia and eastern South America (Brazil)
- Spain received the western Atlantic and most of the Americas
- Reflected the dominance of Portugal and Spain as the leading maritime powers of the 15th-16th centuries
Henry the Navigator and Christopher Columbus
Prince Henry the Navigator
- of Portugal (1394-1460) sponsored and directed many early Portuguese voyages of exploration along the African coast
- Established a navigation school and observatory at Sagres to train navigators and improve maritime technology
- While he did not actually go on the voyages, his patronage was vital to early Portuguese exploration
- Under his direction, Portuguese ships reached as far as Sierra Leone and gathered extensive knowledge of Atlantic wind patterns and currents
Christopher Columbus
- Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) was an Italian navigator who made four Spanish-sponsored voyages across the Atlantic, leading to European awareness of the American continents
- Sought a western route to Asia but instead landed in the Bahamas, Hispaniola, and South America
- Voyages marked the beginning of the European exploration and colonization of the Americas
- Served as governor of Hispaniola but faced criticism for his brutal treatment of indigenous people and poor governance
- Columbus's voyages were a watershed event in world history, beginning an era of European dominance in the Americas
Other Key Explorers
- Vasco da Gama (c. 1460s-1524) was a Portuguese explorer who led the first ships to sail directly from Europe to India in 1497-1499, going around Africa
- Voyage began Portuguese dominance of the Indian Ocean trade in spices and other luxury goods
- Established Portuguese trading posts and alliances in India (Calicut, Cochin) and East Africa (Mozambique, Mombasa)
- (c. 1480-1521) was a Portuguese explorer who led the first European expedition to circumnavigate the globe in 1519-1522, sailing for Spain
- Discovered the strait at the southern tip of South America (Strait of Magellan) and named the Pacific Ocean
- Killed in the Philippines but one of his ships completed the journey, proving the Earth was round
Portuguese vs Spanish Exploration
Portuguese Exploration
- Portuguese explorers focused on finding a sea route to Asia for direct trade in spices and other luxury goods
- Systematically explored the African coast before rounding it to reach India
- Established fortified trading posts (feitorias) rather than large colonies
- Main goal was to control trade routes and extract tribute, not territorial conquest
- Portugal had a long tradition of maritime exploration dating back to the early 15th century
- Developed advanced navigation techniques (compass, ) and ship designs ()
- Had support from the monarchy, especially under Prince Henry the Navigator
Spanish Exploration
- Spanish explorers, after Columbus, were more focused on finding gold and silver and establishing colonial empires in the Americas
- Conquered and colonized the Aztec (Mexico) and Inca (Peru) empires
- Sent settlers to establish permanent colonies in the Caribbean and mainland Americas
- Main goal was territorial control and resource extraction through forced labor of indigenous people
- Spain became involved in overseas exploration later than Portugal but quickly became its rival
- Monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand financed Columbus's voyages in search of a western route to Asia
- Conquistadors like Cortés and Pizarro led private expeditions of conquest with support from the Crown
Similarities and Differences
- Both Portuguese and Spanish explorers were motivated by the desire for profit and to spread Christianity
- Saw exploration as a crusade against Islam and an opportunity to convert indigenous peoples
- Used advanced navigation techniques and ships (caravels, galleons) developed in Iberia
- Portugal and Spain were the leading maritime powers of the 15th-16th centuries and the sponsors of most early voyages of exploration
- Their overseas empires made them the wealthiest and most powerful European countries
- Other countries like England, France and the Netherlands soon followed their lead
- Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) divided the world outside Europe between Portugal and Spain to prevent conflict
- Portugal focused on Africa and Asia, Spain on the Americas (except Brazil)
- But both countries established global empires with territories in multiple continents
Consequences of Early Iberian Voyages
Economic and Political Impact on Europe
- The Portuguese voyages around Africa to Asia broke the Venetian/Muslim monopoly on Indian Ocean trade, shifting power and wealth to Portugal and later other Atlantic European states
- Portugal dominated the spice trade in the 16th century, with outposts from East Africa to Indonesia
- Portuguese merchants sold Asian goods at high prices in Europe, making huge profits
- Portugal and Spain became the wealthiest countries in Europe in the 16th century due to profits from Asian spices and American silver
- Spain imported massive amounts of silver from mines in Mexico and Peru
- The influx of wealth began a shift in power to Western Europe and fueled a price revolution (inflation)
- The European voyages began the Columbian Exchange - a global transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, diseases and ideas between the Old World and the New
- American crops like maize, potatoes, and tomatoes later spread to Europe, Africa and Asia, improving diets
- Eurasian livestock (cattle, pigs, horses) and crops (wheat, sugarcane) were introduced to the Americas
Impact on Indigenous Societies
- The Spanish conquests in the Americas destroyed the Aztec and Inca empires, the two most powerful indigenous states
- Replaced indigenous religions and cultures with Spanish Catholic culture through conversion and colonization
- Established colonial societies based on Spanish rule and forced indigenous labor (encomienda system)
- The Portuguese and Spanish brought new crops and animals to the Americas, dramatically changing the environment and indigenous ways of life
- Plantation agriculture (sugar, tobacco) and ranching disrupted traditional farming and hunting practices
- European animals (pigs, horses) damaged native ecosystems and competed with indigenous fauna
- European diseases brought to the Americas (smallpox, measles, influenza) caused devastating epidemics and a massive population decline among Native American peoples
- Indigenous populations lacked immunity to these new diseases
- Estimated 80-90% population decline in the century after contact, making it easier for Europeans to conquer and colonize
Key Terms to Review (20)
Astrolabe: An astrolabe is an ancient astronomical instrument used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies and to solve problems related to time and position in navigation. It was a key tool for explorers during the age of exploration, allowing them to determine their latitude at sea and significantly aiding in maritime navigation and exploration efforts.
Atlantic Route: The Atlantic Route refers to the sea paths established by early explorers during the Age of Discovery, primarily linking Europe with the Americas and Africa. This route played a crucial role in the expansion of trade, colonization, and cultural exchanges between these regions, enabling European powers like Portugal and Spain to access new resources and territories.
Caravel: A caravel is a small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century, known for its lateen sails that allowed for better navigation and speed. This design was significant in promoting exploration by enabling longer voyages and the ability to sail against the wind, which was crucial for early maritime expeditions.
Casa da india: The casa da india was a Portuguese government institution established in the 16th century that oversaw trade and commerce between Portugal and its colonies in Asia, particularly India. This organization played a crucial role in the early Portuguese voyages, facilitating the expansion of maritime trade routes and the establishment of Portuguese dominance in the Indian Ocean.
Christopher Columbus: Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer whose voyages across the Atlantic Ocean in the late 15th century led to the European awareness of the American continents. His expeditions, sponsored by Spain, marked the beginning of extensive European exploration and colonization of the Americas, significantly impacting Indigenous populations and shaping global trade.
Colonization: Colonization is the process by which a country establishes control over a foreign territory, often leading to the settlement of its own people in that area. This practice typically involves the exploitation of resources and the imposition of cultural, political, and social structures from the colonizing nation onto the indigenous population. Early Portuguese and Spanish voyages marked significant steps in European expansion, where these powers sought new trade routes and territories, leading to widespread colonization efforts in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Cultural exchange: Cultural exchange refers to the process through which different cultures share ideas, practices, and values, leading to mutual influence and enrichment. This exchange often occurs through trade, migration, conquest, or exploration, facilitating the blending and adaptation of cultural elements across societies. The impact of cultural exchange is significant in shaping civilizations and fostering a deeper understanding among diverse groups.
Discovery of the Azores: The discovery of the Azores refers to the European exploration and subsequent identification of a group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, which were claimed by Portugal in the 15th century. This event marked a significant step in the Age of Discovery, as it allowed Portugal to expand its maritime routes and trade networks while enhancing their influence in the Atlantic region.
Ferdinand Magellan: Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese explorer who is best known for leading the first expedition to successfully circumnavigate the globe, from 1519 to 1522. His voyage significantly expanded European knowledge of world geography and established Spain's claim to the Pacific Ocean, connecting Europe to Asia through a western sea route.
Mercantilism: Mercantilism is an economic theory and practice that emphasizes the importance of accumulating wealth, primarily through a favorable balance of trade, to increase national power. This system encouraged government intervention in the economy, promoting exports over imports and fostering colonial expansion to secure resources and markets.
Mercator Projection: The Mercator Projection is a cylindrical map projection created by Gerardus Mercator in 1569, designed for navigation and maritime purposes. It represents lines of constant course, known as rhumb lines, as straight segments, making it easier for sailors to plot their course. However, while it preserves angles and shapes, it distorts the size of landmasses, especially near the poles, which had significant implications during the early voyages of exploration.
Portuguese Empire: The Portuguese Empire was one of the earliest global empires, beginning in the 15th century and lasting until the 20th century, encompassing territories in Africa, Asia, and South America. This empire was characterized by its pioneering maritime exploration, trade networks, and colonization efforts that significantly impacted world history.
Prince Henry the Navigator: Prince Henry the Navigator was a Portuguese royal who played a crucial role in the early phases of the Age of Discovery during the 15th century. He is known for his patronage of exploratory voyages along the West African coast, which significantly advanced maritime knowledge and established trade routes that would later enhance European expansion into Africa and the Americas.
Ptolemaic Maps: Ptolemaic maps are a series of cartographic representations developed by the ancient Greek scholar Claudius Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD, which laid the groundwork for modern geography and navigation. These maps were significant during the early exploration periods of the 15th century, as they provided a systematic method of mapping the known world based on latitude and longitude. Their influence can be seen in the navigational techniques adopted by early explorers, especially those from Portugal and Spain, as they ventured into uncharted territories.
South American Coast: The South American coast refers to the extensive stretch of land along the eastern edge of South America, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. This region became a focal point for early Portuguese and Spanish exploration during the Age of Discovery, influencing the patterns of colonization and trade that followed.
Spanish Crown: The Spanish Crown refers to the monarchy of Spain, particularly during the late 15th and early 16th centuries, when it played a pivotal role in the Age of Exploration. Under the Spanish Crown, monarchs like Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile unified Spain and sponsored voyages that led to the discovery of the New World, significantly expanding Spain's influence and wealth.
Spanish Empire: The Spanish Empire was one of the first global empires, dominating much of the Americas, parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia from the late 15th century through the early 19th century. It was characterized by its vast territorial conquests, extensive trade networks, and significant cultural influence, primarily through early voyages of exploration and colonization led by Spain.
Trade monopoly: A trade monopoly exists when a specific individual, organization, or government has exclusive control over the supply and distribution of a particular commodity or service within a market. This concept was especially relevant during the Age of Exploration, where nations sought to dominate trade routes and resources, leading to significant economic power and influence.
Treaty of Tordesillas: The Treaty of Tordesillas was an agreement made in 1494 between Spain and Portugal that divided newly discovered lands outside Europe between the two countries along a meridian 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde islands. This treaty aimed to resolve conflicts over newly explored territories and established a line of demarcation that influenced European colonization and interactions with indigenous populations.
Vasco da Gama: Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer who is best known for being the first person to sail directly from Europe to India by the ocean route. His voyages were significant in establishing a sea route to India, which connected Europe with the lucrative spice trade and laid the foundation for an age of global exploration and colonial expansion.