Which of the following is an effect of Portugal developing the caravel? (1 point)
• Portugal took control of the Silk Road.
• Portugal became Europe's first maritime empire.
• The Roman Catholic Church eradicated Islam from the Iberian peninsula.
• The trade of enslaved Africans decreased.
Portugal becoming Europe's first maritime empire is an effect of Portugal developing the caravel.
The effect of Portugal developing the caravel was that Portugal became Europe's first maritime empire.
To determine which of the following is an effect of Portugal developing the caravel, let's take a closer look at each option:
1. Portugal took control of the Silk Road: This option is incorrect. The caravel was a type of ship used for long-distance exploration and trade, particularly during the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Silk Road refers to the ancient overland trade route connecting Asia and Europe, which predated Portugal's caravel development.
2. Portugal became Europe's first maritime empire: This option is correct. The caravel played a significant role in Portugal's maritime exploration and led to the establishment of Portugal as Europe's first maritime empire. Portuguese explorers, such as Vasco da Gama, used the caravel to explore and establish trade routes, opening up new territories and resources for Portugal.
3. The Roman Catholic Church eradicated Islam from the Iberian peninsula: This option is incorrect. The development of the caravel did not directly lead to the eradication of Islam from the Iberian peninsula. Religious conflicts and political changes played a more significant role in shaping the religious landscape of the region.
4. The trade of enslaved Africans decreased: This option is incorrect. Unfortunately, the development of the caravel actually contributed to the growth of the transatlantic slave trade, as it enabled Europeans to explore Africa more extensively and establish trade relations with African kingdoms, leading to the transportation of enslaved Africans to the Americas.
Therefore, the correct answer is: Portugal became Europe's first maritime empire.