a way that an important component of the Portuguese Empire changed over time? The government attempted to put less a focus on the social system The gained in by the nineteenth century The trade eventually stopped , as was no longer for The were no longer the strongest powes by the century
Overall, one important component of the Portuguese Empire that changed over time was its focus on the social system and trade.
In the early years of the empire, which began in the 15th century, the Portuguese government and society placed a significant emphasis on establishing a social system that reinforced hierarchies and maintained control over their colonies. This system relied heavily on slavery and social classes, with the colonizers at the top and the indigenous populations at the bottom.
However, as time progressed, especially by the nineteenth century, the Portuguese government attempted to shift away from this social system. Influenced by Enlightenment ideals and growing notions of human rights and equality, efforts were made to abolish slavery and introduce reforms that aimed to improve the social conditions and relationships within the empire.
Additionally, the Portuguese Empire heavily relied on trade to sustain its economic prosperity. During the height of its power, the empire had control over various lucrative trade routes, most notably the vast networks of the Indian Ocean and the slave trade with African colonies.
However, by the nineteenth century, the trading dynamics had changed globally. European powers like Britain had emerged as strong contenders in the global trade scene, and Portugal could no longer maintain its dominance in trading. This decline was mainly due to changes in global economic patterns, advancements in naval technology, and new colonial powers entering the scene. As a result, the Portuguese Empire gradually lost its economic strength and its trade network eventually diminished.
Consequently, these changes in the social system and trade dynamics contributed to the Portuguese Empire no longer being the strongest power by the nineteenth century. Other colonial powers had surpassed Portugal both economically and militarily, leading to the decline and eventual dissolution of the empire.