which explanation of Portugal’s ability to come European, where is maritime empires, is most accurate
The most accurate explanation of Portugal's ability to become a European maritime empire lies in its strategic geographical location, skilled navigators, and technological advancements.
Portugal is located on the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, providing it with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean. This geographic advantage allowed Portuguese explorers to embark on long voyages and establish trade routes with Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Additionally, Portuguese sailors such as Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan developed advanced navigation techniques, such as mapping the stars and utilizing compasses, which greatly facilitated their maritime expeditions.
Moreover, Portugal invested heavily in maritime technology and shipbuilding, developing faster and more robust vessels like caravels and galleons. These technological advancements enabled Portuguese explorers to navigate previously unknown territories and successfully establish lucrative trade networks.
Furthermore, the Portuguese Crown supported and incentivized maritime expeditions by providing financial support and granting exclusive rights to trade in newly discovered territories. The establishment of trading outposts and colonies in places like Brazil, India, and Macau not only brought wealth to Portugal but also expanded its influence and power in the world.
Overall, Portugal's ability to become a European maritime empire can be attributed to its advantageous location, skilled navigators, technological advancements, and supportive royal patronage.
The most accurate explanation for Portugal's ability to become a European maritime empire can be summarized in the following steps:
1. Early Exploration: Portugal had a geographical advantage being positioned on the western coast of Europe, which enabled its sailors to venture out into the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Technological Advancements: Portuguese sailors were pioneers in developing advanced navigational and shipbuilding techniques. They created the caravel, a small and versatile ship that could sail into the wind and navigate shallow waters.
3. Prince Henry the Navigator: Prince Henry played a crucial role in Portugal's maritime expansion. He established a school of navigation, the Sagres School, which attracted talented sailors, cartographers, astronomers, and geographers. These individuals contributed to Portugal's growing knowledge of navigation and exploration.
4. African Exploration: Portugal's early expansion focused on exploring the African coast. They gradually moved southward, establishing trading posts, fortresses, and forming alliances with local African leaders. This provided them with an extensive network for trade, particularly in gold, ivory, and slaves.
5. Vasco da Gama and the Indian Ocean: Vasco da Gama's successful voyage to India in 1498 marked a major turning point. He navigated around Africa's Cape of Good Hope and secured direct access to the lucrative Indian Ocean trade network. This opened up vast possibilities for trade, including highly sought-after commodities such as spices.
6. Colonial Expansion: With their newfound wealth and trading network, the Portuguese established colonies and outposts in strategic locations. They aimed to control key trade routes, protect their interests, and monopolize access to valuable resources.
7. Treaty of Tordesillas: In 1494, Portugal and Spain signed the Treaty of Tordesillas, dividing newly discovered lands outside Europe between them. This allowed Portugal to establish a presence in South America and explore Brazil.
8. Economic Prosperity: Portugal's empire brought enormous wealth and power. The Portuguese benefited from the monopolistic control over trade routes, the extraction of resources from their colonies, and the imposition of tariffs and taxes on goods.
9. Decline and Rivalries: Over time, other European powers, such as Spain, the Dutch, and the English, challenged Portugal's dominance. These rivalries, combined with internal economic, political, and social issues, led to the gradual decline of the Portuguese empire by the 17th century.
Overall, Portugal's ability to become a European maritime empire was driven by their early exploration, technological advancements, strategic alliances and trade networks, and a desire to expand their influence and wealth.