Portuguese control

Definition

Portuguese control refers to the dominance and influence exerted by Portugal during the Age of Exploration, particularly in the 15th and 16th centuries, as they established trade routes and colonies across Africa, Asia, and South America. This control was marked by a focus on maritime exploration, advancements in navigation technology, and the establishment of a global trading network that significantly impacted the economy and geopolitics of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Portugal was a pioneer in maritime exploration, with explorers like Prince Henry the Navigator leading efforts to map the African coast and find new trade routes.
2. The establishment of a trading post empire allowed Portugal to control spice trade routes and access valuable resources from Asia, significantly boosting its economy.
3. Portuguese control extended to territories such as Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Goa, and parts of the East Indies, forming a global network of colonies.
4. Portugal's naval supremacy was challenged in the late 16th century by other European powers such as Spain, England, and the Netherlands, leading to competition for control over trade routes.
5. The decline of Portuguese control began in the 17th century due to military defeats, economic difficulties, and rising nationalism in its colonies.

Review Questions

• How did advancements in navigation technology contribute to Portuguese control during the Age of Exploration?
  • Advancements in navigation technology, such as the development of the astrolabe and improved cartography, were crucial for Portuguese explorers. These innovations enabled sailors to travel further into uncharted waters with greater accuracy. As a result, Portugal was able to establish new trade routes and claim territories across Africa and Asia, establishing their dominance in global trade during this era.
• Discuss the impact of the Treaty of Tordesillas on Portuguese control and its relationship with Spain.
  • The Treaty of Tordesillas had a significant impact on Portuguese control by officially recognizing Portugal's claims to territories in Africa and Brazil while granting Spain rights to other lands in the Americas. This agreement allowed Portugal to expand its influence without interference from Spain, thereby solidifying its position as a major power during the Age of Exploration. However, it also set the stage for future conflicts as other nations began to challenge both countries' claims to newly discovered territories.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of Portuguese control on global trade patterns and cultural exchanges between Europe and its colonies.
  • The long-term consequences of Portuguese control reshaped global trade patterns by establishing an early framework for colonialism and exploitation. The Portuguese facilitated cultural exchanges between Europe and their colonies through trade interactions, which led to the spread of goods, ideas, and cultural practices. This laid the groundwork for future European colonial powers to engage similarly in global trade. However, it also resulted in significant social and economic disruptions within colonized regions that can still be felt today.

Related terms

Caravel: A small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed by the Portuguese in the 15th century that played a key role in their exploratory missions.

Treaty of Tordesillas:

An agreement between Spain and Portugal in 1494 that divided newly discovered lands outside Europe between the two powers along a meridian.

Mercantilism:

An economic theory prevalent in the 16th to 18th centuries that emphasized the importance of accumulating wealth through trade and colonization to strengthen national power.