Which of the following BEST suggests why the Portuguese did not try to make as many colonies in Asia as the Spanish did in the Western Hemisphere? Choose ONE answer! (2 points)
A. • The Portuguese did not believe in taking things by force.
B. • The Roman Catholic Church told Europeans not to make colonies.
C. Because of their experiences with the Silk Road, the Portuguese knew Asia had many places they wanted to trade with, which was one of their main goals.
D. O The Portuguese saw the people in Asia as their equals.
C. Because of their experiences with the Silk Road, the Portuguese knew Asia had many places they wanted to trade with, which was one of their main goals.
The answer is C. Because of their experiences with the Silk Road, the Portuguese knew Asia had many places they wanted to trade with, which was one of their main goals.
To determine the correct answer, let's analyze the options provided.
A. The statement that the Portuguese did not believe in taking things by force does not provide a comprehensive explanation for their lack of colonies in Asia. While it is true that the Portuguese did not have a strong emphasis on establishing large-scale settlements like the Spanish, this alone does not explain their limited colonizing efforts in Asia.
B. The claim that the Roman Catholic Church prohibited Europeans from making colonies does not accurately reflect historical events. While the Church did play a role in shaping European colonization, there was no explicit prohibition against creating colonies. Therefore, this option is not the best suggestion for why the Portuguese did not establish numerous colonies in Asia.
C. The statement that the Portuguese knew Asia had many places they wanted to trade with aligns with historical records. The Portuguese were primarily motivated by trade expansion, and their experiences with the Silk Road suggested ample trading opportunities in Asia. This option provides a better suggestion for why the Portuguese did not focus on establishing colonies in Asia.
D. The claim that the Portuguese saw the people in Asia as their equals is not supported by historical evidence. Like other European powers of the time, the Portuguese had a hierarchical outlook and encountered cultural differences, making this option less viable.
Based on the analysis, option C is the most appropriate answer as it aligns with the Portuguese goal of trade expansion in Asia.