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Vasco de Gama

Definition

Vasco de Gama was a Portuguese explorer and the first European to reach India by sea, linking Europe and Asia for the first time by an ocean route.

Analogy

Think of Vasco de Gama as a GPS navigator. Just like how a GPS helps us find new routes to our destination, Vasco de Gama discovered a new route to India, making trade easier and more efficient.

Historical Context

In the late 15th century, European powers were seeking maritime routes to Asian markets in order to bypass overland trade routes dominated by Islamic empires. Portugal, under King Manuel I and spurred by previous explorations along the West African coast, tasked Vasco da Gama with finding a sea route to India.

Historical Significance

Vasco da Gama's successful voyage opened up direct maritime trade between Europe and Asia. This not only initiated a significant shift in global commerce but also led to Portuguese colonial establishments in Asia. It marked the beginning of European imperialism in the East and contributed to Portugal's prosperity and influence during the early 16th century.

Related terms

Portuguese Exploration: This refers to the many explorations made by Portugal during the 15th and 16th centuries in search of trade routes to East Asia.

Age of Discovery: This term refers to a period from the 15th century to the 17th century when Europeans explored Africa, America, Asia and Oceania. The main goal was finding sea routes for trading silk spices, gold, silver etc.

Spice Trade: This term refers to the historical trade between historical civilizations in Asia, Northeast Africa and Europe. Spices such as cinnamon, cassia, cardamom were traded along these routes.