Portugal was the first European nation to begin extensive exploration during the Age of Discovery in the 15th century. Under the leadership of Prince Henry the Navigator, Portuguese explorers ventured along the West African coast, seeking new trade routes and territories. This pioneering spirit laid the groundwork for further exploration by other nations, including Spain. Portugal's maritime innovations and navigational advancements significantly contributed to its early dominance in global exploration.
Portugal was the first country to initiate the Age of Exploration in the 15th century. Under the leadership of Prince Henry the Navigator, Portuguese explorers sought new trading routes and territories, particularly along the West African coast and to India. This movement laid the groundwork for subsequent explorations by other European nations, including Spain.
European leaders began sending out explorers in the late 15th century primarily to find new trade routes to Asia, particularly for valuable spices and silks. The desire for wealth and the competition among nations drove this exploration, as they sought to expand their empires and enhance their economic power. Additionally, advancements in navigation technology and a growing curiosity about the world fueled exploration efforts. This period marked the beginning of significant global interactions and the eventual establishment of colonial empires.
Spain
It increased competition and tension among a number of European countries
Prince Henry (Henrique) the Navigator (1394-1460) was a Portuguese royal prince, soldier, and patron of explorers. Henry sent many sailing expeditions down Africa's west coast, but did not go on them himself.
to explore and start colonies
Spain and Portugal
Helped start European exploration and trade
Helped start European exploration and trade
No. It would have been Italy with Marco Polo.
to find a new settlement to start a new colony. George
Essecially America started by European exploration and the colonizing of the Americas by Columbus and England.
The Crusades and the start of exploration.
The Portuguese Empire was the longest colonial European empire, with its inception dating back to its capture of Cueta in North Africa in 1415 CE. With its European borders safe from attack, Portugal was free to expand and explore other regions. It became the first European nation to explore and establish colonies in west Africa.
France
Helped start European exploration and trade
The first major impact of the exploration of the New World was due to the early start Spain had in its exploration of the New World. Spanish conquistadors and explorers defeated Native American Tribes and with that came the shipping of gold back to Spain. This led to the submission of the Inca & Aztec Tribal empires.