Question

Discuss how the Portuguese became the leaders in exploration during the fifteenth century. Include in your discussion the significant accomplishments of the Portuguese relating to exploration.

Answer 1

Answer:

Development of sophisticated sea navigation technology and navigation maps

Explanation:

During the fifteenth century, precisely between 1415 and 1460, the Portuguese became the leaders in exploration by developing sophisticated sea navigation technology. They identified opportunities to find spices and textile in Asia. They found easy access to these commodities by establishing trade routes.

The main reasons for Portugal's exploration

1. To find shipping routes for easier trade for commodities such as spices, gold, textiles and so on;
2. To satisfy their desire for more lands, wealth and power;
3. To advance their economy and spread their religion (Christianity) to other places

How the Portuguese became the leaders in exploration

1. They had a stable and longstanding monarchy led by Prince Henry, the navigator;
2. The Portuguese accumulated a lot of knowledge about sea faring and the maritime geography of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean;
3. They prevented their other European counterparts from gaining early access to navigation routes by hoarding the navigation maps;
4. They established exclusive trade routes through the navigation maps they hoarded

 The significant accomplishments of the Portuguese relating to exploration

1. Prince Henry set up an observatory in southern Portugal where he gathered sailors, mathematicians, navigators, ship builders and geographers for strategic plan;
2. The Portuguese discovered the sea route to the East and the Spice Islands;
3. They made many maps for easier navigation in the water world;
4. They opened the world to wealth through international trades.