Portugal's early exploration and expansion

Definition

Portugal's early exploration and expansion refers to the period during the 15th and 16th centuries when Portugal became a leading maritime power, exploring new territories and establishing trade routes, particularly along the African coast, in the Atlantic, and reaching India and Brazil. This era marked significant advancements in navigation, shipbuilding, and the establishment of overseas colonies, which set the foundation for the Transatlantic Trade that followed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Prince Henry the Navigator was a key figure in promoting early Portuguese exploration, establishing a school for navigation that trained many explorers.
2. Portuguese explorers were among the first Europeans to sail around Africa, with Vasco da Gama successfully reaching India in 1498, opening up lucrative trade routes.
3. Portugal established several colonies in Africa, Asia, and Brazil, which became vital centers for trade and resource extraction.
4. The advancements in navigation technology during this period included improvements in cartography and the use of the astrolabe to determine latitude at sea.
5. The wealth generated from trade routes established by Portugal contributed significantly to the rise of mercantilism in Europe and set the stage for future imperial expansion.

Review Questions

• How did advancements in navigation contribute to Portugal's early exploration and expansion?
  • Advancements in navigation were essential to Portugal's early exploration and expansion as they allowed explorers to travel farther and with greater accuracy. The development of the caravel made it easier to navigate along coastlines and through rough waters. Tools like the astrolabe enabled sailors to determine their position at sea, which was crucial for long voyages. These technological innovations not only facilitated Portugal's exploratory missions but also laid the groundwork for establishing extensive trade networks across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
• Evaluate the impact of the Treaty of Tordesillas on global exploration during the Age of Discovery.
  • The Treaty of Tordesillas significantly impacted global exploration by establishing clear territorial claims between Spain and Portugal, which shaped their respective empires. By dividing new lands along a meridian line, it prevented conflict between these two emerging maritime powers and encouraged them to explore further. This division allowed Portugal to focus on expanding its influence in Africa and Asia while Spain concentrated on its conquests in the Americas. Ultimately, this agreement facilitated rapid exploration and colonization efforts that transformed global trade dynamics.
• Analyze how Portugal's early exploration set the stage for transatlantic trade and its lasting effects on global economies.
  • Portugal's early exploration laid the groundwork for transatlantic trade by establishing key maritime routes that connected Europe to Africa, Asia, and later the Americas. The desire for spices and other goods drove Portuguese expeditions, leading to direct trade with India and Africa. This not only enriched Portugal but also initiated the brutal slave trade as they began transporting enslaved Africans to work on plantations in the New World. The economic systems that emerged from this trade fostered a shift towards global capitalism, shaping economic relationships that are still evident today.

Related terms

Caravel:

A small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed by the Portuguese that played a crucial role in maritime exploration.

Treaty of Tordesillas:

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

Slave Trade:

The transatlantic trading system that involved the forced transport of enslaved Africans to the Americas, heavily influenced by Portuguese exploration.