Which options accurately describe why Portugal sought to explore the west coast of Africa in the 15th century?
Select all that apply.
ANSWER:
- to trade for spices and gold
- to trade for African slaves
To accurately determine why Portugal sought to explore the west coast of Africa in the 15th century, it is essential to examine historical context. Here are the options that accurately describe their motivations:
1. To trade for spices and gold: Portugal sought direct access to the source of valuable spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and pepper, which were in high demand in Europe. Additionally, they aimed to discover regions abundant in gold as it would greatly enhance their wealth and power.
2. To trade for African slaves: Although the transatlantic slave trade became more prevalent in subsequent centuries, Portugal did engage in the early stages of this trade in the 15th century. This included the capturing, trading, and transporting of African slaves to work in their colonies, including Brazil and other parts of the Americas.
These options highlight the economic motivations behind Portugal's exploration of the west coast of Africa during the 15th century.