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Portuguese Colonies

Definition

Portuguese colonies refer to the territories that were under the control and administration of Portugal during this era. These colonies were established by the Portuguese explorers and played a significant role in expanding their empire.

Analogy

Think of Portuguese colonies like a chain of restaurants owned by one big company. Just as each restaurant is managed and controlled by the company, Portuguese colonies were governed and ruled by Portugal.

Related terms

Exploration: Exploration refers to the act of traveling to new lands in search of resources, trade opportunities, or knowledge.

Colonization: Colonization is when a country establishes settlements or takes control over another territory for political, economic, or social reasons.

Mercantilism: Mercantilism was an economic theory prevalent during this era that advocated for increasing a nation's wealth through colonial expansion and strict regulation of trade.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.