Portugal lost control of the spice trade because of the Netherlands keeping them out of some of the best ports for spices.
dutch
dutch
Armed with guns and cannons the Portuguese waged war on the inhabitants of coastal towns, burned villages and overwhelmed the enemy's fleets.
Armed with guns and cannons the Portuguese waged war on the inhabitants of coastal towns, burned villages and overwhelmed the enemy's fleets.
the dutch
The moors vasco de gama discovered the spice after traveling to India
The Portuguese primarily relied on military might and strategic alliances to control the spice trade in Asia, establishing fortified trading posts and using naval power to dominate key sea routes. They aimed to monopolize the trade by capturing and controlling production areas, particularly in places like the Moluccas. In contrast, the Dutch employed a more systematic approach through the establishment of the Dutch East India Company, which combined trade, military force, and diplomacy. The Dutch focused on creating a network of trade agreements and monopolizing spice production, often undercutting Portuguese control by utilizing their superior shipping technology and efficient trade practices.
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.
The Dutch took control of the spice trade from the Portugese in the fifteenth century.
Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch
The Dutch conquered Portuguese Malacca in 1641 as part of their broader strategy to control the spice trade in Southeast Asia. They formed alliances with local sultanates, notably the Sultanate of Johor, and launched a well-coordinated military assault on the city. After a prolonged siege, the Dutch forces, equipped with superior naval and artillery capabilities, captured the city, effectively ending Portuguese dominance in the region and establishing Dutch control over this strategic trading hub. This conquest significantly strengthened the Dutch position in the lucrative spice trade.
Marco Polo and his trading company