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The moors vasco de gama discovered the spice after traveling to India
During the early 1400s, the spice trade was primarily controlled by Arab and Venetian traders. They monopolized the routes and distribution networks, bringing spices from the East, particularly from regions like India and the Spice Islands, to European markets. This dominance continued until the rise of Portuguese exploration in the late 15th century, which eventually shifted control over the spice trade.
they used to do Spices but then the Portuguese took over more specifically Alfonso de Albuquerque invaded the place with his cousin and tried to take over the spice trade.
European powers took over the spice trade primarily through exploration, military conquest, and the establishment of trade monopolies. The Portuguese, led by explorers like Vasco da Gama, first established sea routes to India and the Spice Islands, gaining control over key ports. Later, the Dutch and British followed suit, creating powerful trading companies such as the Dutch East India Company and the British East India Company, which used armed forces to dominate local trade networks and eliminate competition. This shift allowed Europeans to control production, pricing, and distribution of spices, significantly impacting global trade.
The Portuguese made use of naval technology by using their superior seamen, ships and guns to destroy the Muslim fleet, who controlled the spice trade, and took it over for themselves.
In 1510, the Portuguese seized the island of Goa, located on the western coast of India. They established it as their primary military and commercial trading base in the region, which allowed them to control maritime trade routes and exert influence over the Indian Ocean. Goa became a significant center for Portuguese colonial activities in Asia, contributing to their dominance in the spice trade.
The Portuguese established a significant presence in Southeast Asia during the Age of Exploration in the 16th century, primarily through their control of key trade routes and strategic locations such as Malacca and parts of the Spice Islands. They were instrumental in the spice trade, which brought them considerable wealth and influence. However, their dominance was challenged by other European powers, particularly the Dutch and the British, leading to a gradual decline in their control over the region. Ultimately, while they made early inroads, their lasting impact was limited compared to other colonial powers.
Albuquerque believed that a Portuguese victory at Malacca would secure control over the vital trade routes in Southeast Asia, thereby enhancing Portugal's dominance in the spice trade. He saw Malacca as a strategic point that would enable the Portuguese to disrupt Muslim trade networks and expand their influence in the region. Additionally, capturing Malacca would provide a stronghold for further conquests and facilitate the spread of Christianity. Ultimately, Albuquerque viewed this victory as pivotal for establishing a Portuguese empire in Asia.
The Dutch took control of the spice trade by establishing the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in the early 17th century. The VOC used superior naval power to gain control of key spice-producing regions in Southeast Asia, particularly the Moluccas (Spice Islands), and monopolized the trade by enforcing exclusive contracts with local rulers. The Dutch also developed trading posts and fortresses to protect their interests and expand their influence in the region.
Afonso de Albuquerque's main purpose was to establish Portuguese dominance and control over key trade routes in the Indian Ocean region, particularly in the spice trade. He sought to expand Portuguese influence through military conquest, establishing a network of forts and trading posts to secure Portugal's commercial interests and strengthen its global power.
The Portuguese chose to set up small settlements in the Moluccas to monopolize the lucrative spice trade and maintain control over the region without the need for larger military presence. This strategy allowed them to exploit the resources while facing less resistance from local populations and other European powers.