During the age of discovery, what factor contributes significantly to Portugal leadership in expiration
During the Age of Discovery, several factors contributed significantly to Portugal's leadership in exploration.
1. Geographic location: Portugal's strategic location on the western edge of Europe made it a natural starting point for maritime expeditions. It provided easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, allowing Portuguese explorers to venture into unknown territories.
2. Maritime expertise: Portugal had a long maritime tradition due to its history of fishing and naval warfare. This experience gave Portuguese sailors a deep understanding of navigation, shipbuilding, and seamanship. They were skilled in using the prevailing winds and currents to navigate the seas, enabling them to reach distant lands.
3. Technological advancements: Portuguese explorers utilized innovative technologies like improved ship designs, navigational instruments (such as the quadrant and astrolabe), and the adoption of the compass. These advancements greatly enhanced their ability to explore and navigate unknown waters.
4. Patronage and royal support: Portuguese explorers received significant support from the Portuguese monarchy. King John II and later King Manuel I provided financial backing, ships, and manpower for exploratory voyages. The monarchy saw exploration as an opportunity to expand their influence, establish trade routes, and gain wealth.
5. Trade aspirations and competition: Portugal's desire to find new trade routes to bypass the Ottoman Empire, which controlled traditional overland routes to Asia, fueled exploration. The search for lucrative spice markets and other valuable resources motivated Portuguese explorers to push further into uncharted territories.
6. Henry the Navigator: Infante Dom Henry (Henry the Navigator) played a crucial role in promoting exploration. He established a school of navigation in Sagres, where scholars, cartographers, and sailors gathered to study and plan voyages. His efforts to accumulate knowledge and promote exploration laid the foundation for Portugal's leadership in exploration.
7. The Treaty of Tordesillas: The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed between Portugal and Spain in 1494, divided newly discovered territories between the two countries. This agreement gave Portugal a head start in exploring and colonizing regions such as Brazil, Africa, and parts of Asia.
These factors combined to create an environment in which Portugal emerged as a leading nation in exploration during the Age of Discovery.