Lecture Notes: The Age of Discovery and Portugal's Historical Influence

Introduction

• Iberian Peninsula's Impact: At the turn of the 16th century, the Iberian Peninsula significantly shifted human history.
• Christopher Columbus (1493): Mistakenly thought he reached Southeast Asia; his return sparked excitement, particularly in Spain and Portugal.

Portugal in the Age of Discovery

• Historical Background:

  • Reconquista (1139): Portugal emerged as a kingdom during this period.
  • Geopolitical Position: Faced economic challenges due to limited natural resources and blockades like the Straits of Gibraltar.

• Prince Henry the Navigator:

  • Possibly established a navigation school, fostering the development of naval skills in cartography, geography, and shipbuilding.
  • Technological Advances:
    • Latine Sails: Enabled tacking against the wind, improving navigation.
    • Caravels: Highly maneuverable ships, surpassing previous square-rigged designs.

• Columbus' Return (1493):

  • Prompted territorial agreements with Spain through Pope Rodrigo Borgia, dividing new lands based on an arbitrary line.

Portuguese Exploration Achievements

• Vasco da Gama (1499):

  • First European to reach India exclusively by sea, circumventing the Ottoman-controlled overland routes.

• Trade and Naval Dominance:

  • Feitorias: Established strategic trading posts along African coasts and the Indian Ocean, facilitating resource accumulation.
  • Carracks: Large ships that enhanced cargo capacity and speed.

• Cartize System:

  • Portugal sold trading rights in the Indian Ocean, controlling maritime trade while profiting significantly.

Notable Navigators

• Amerigo Vespucci:

  • Recognized the New World as a distinct continent, which led to the Americas being named after him.

• Ferdinand Magellan:

  • Led the first circumnavigation of the globe; although he died during the voyage, his expedition proved global circumnavigation was possible.

Portugal's Decline

• Iberian Union (1580):

  • Union with Spain under King Philip after the death of King Sebastian; led to conflicts and territorial losses.

• Wars and Restoration:

  • Participated in Thirty Years' War, leading to weakened naval power and eventual restoration of independence from Spain.

• Shift to Brazil:

  • Focused on Brazilian colony post-Indian Ocean dominance; benefited from a gold rush in the early 1700s.

1755 Lisbon Earthquake

• A catastrophic event that included an earthquake, tsunami, and fires.
• Cultural Impact: Devastated Lisbon and affected European Enlightenment thinking on human control over nature.

Conclusion

• Portugal played a pivotal role in maritime exploration and global trade.
• Despite eventual decline, their early navigation achievements set the stage for future exploration and trade.
• Legacy: Demonstrates the impact of focus and innovation even from a small, geographically isolated nation.

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Additional Notes

• Sponsor Mention: "World of Warships" as associated content.
• Reflection on Portugal's Role: Emphasizes the influence of determination in exploration and trade.