Portuguese Empire
Definition
The Portuguese Empire, also known as the Portuguese Overseas, was one of the longest-lived empires in world history (15th-20th century). It started with seafaring explorations and ended up controlling territories across Africa, Asia, and South America.
Analogy
Consider the Portuguese Empire like a trailblazer or pioneer. Just like pioneers who were first to explore new lands or invent new things, Portugal was among the first European nations to begin exploring and colonizing distant lands.
Related terms
Age of Discovery: A period from early 15th century until late 18th century during which Europeans explored Africa, Americas & Asia in search for new trade routes & wealth.
Vasco da Gama: A Portuguese explorer who was first to sail directly from Europe to India thus establishing a maritime route that greatly contributed to Portugal's influence.
Treaty of Tordesillas: An agreement between Spain & Portugal in 1494 which divided newly discovered lands outside Europe between them along a meridian line.
"Portuguese Empire" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (1)
- Which of these factors allowed Portuguese Empire to dominate Indian ocean trade during the late fifteenth century?
Resources
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