Portugal's Age of Discovery

Definition

Portugal's Age of Discovery refers to the period during the 15th and 16th centuries when Portuguese explorers sought new maritime routes and territories, leading to significant advancements in global trade and exploration. This era was marked by notable expeditions along the African coast, the discovery of sea routes to India, and the colonization of Brazil, which established Portugal as a dominant maritime power and contributed to the rise of global markets.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Prince Henry the Navigator played a crucial role in promoting Portuguese exploration, establishing a school for navigation that trained many explorers.
2. The discovery of a sea route to India by Vasco da Gama in 1498 opened up lucrative spice trade opportunities for Portugal.
3. Portugal's colonization of Brazil began in 1500 with the arrival of Pedro Álvares Cabral, establishing a significant foothold in South America.
4. The voyages during this period led to the establishment of trade networks that connected Europe, Africa, and Asia, significantly impacting global commerce.
5. Portugal's maritime dominance declined by the late 16th century due to competition from other European powers like Spain, England, and the Netherlands.

Review Questions

• How did advancements in ship design contribute to Portugal's Age of Discovery?
  • Advancements in ship design, particularly with the development of the caravel, played a vital role in Portugal's Age of Discovery. The caravel's lightweight and maneuverable structure allowed explorers to sail longer distances and navigate challenging waters. This innovation enabled Portuguese sailors to explore uncharted territories along the African coast and eventually reach India, facilitating their dominance in maritime trade and exploration.
• Discuss the impact of the Treaty of Tordesillas on European exploration and colonization during this period.
  • The Treaty of Tordesillas significantly influenced European exploration and colonization by establishing a division between Spanish and Portuguese claims in newly discovered lands. This agreement allowed Portugal to focus its efforts on Africa and Brazil while Spain concentrated on territories in the Americas. Consequently, this division shaped colonial expansion strategies and fostered competition among European powers as they sought to claim uncharted regions for themselves.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Portugal's Age of Discovery on global trade patterns and cultural exchanges.
  • Portugal's Age of Discovery had profound long-term effects on global trade patterns and cultural exchanges. By establishing new maritime routes and trade networks connecting Europe with Africa and Asia, Portugal laid the groundwork for an interconnected global economy. This period facilitated not only the exchange of goods, such as spices and precious metals but also cultural interactions that led to significant influences on language, religion, and societal structures across continents. The resulting shift towards a global marketplace marked a transformative era in economic history.

Related terms

Caravel: A small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century that enabled long-distance exploration.

Treaty of Tordesillas:

An agreement between Spain and Portugal in 1494 that divided newly discovered lands outside Europe, giving Portugal rights to territories in Africa and Brazil.

Mercantilism:

An economic theory prevalent in the 16th to 18th centuries that emphasized the importance of accumulating wealth through trade and maintaining a favorable balance of trade.