The Portuguese explorer who pioneered a sea route from Europe to India is a significant figure in the context of Advanced Placement World History. His voyage around the Cape of Good Hope in 1497-1499 opened a direct maritime connection between Europe and Asia, circumventing the established overland trade routes controlled by the Ottoman Empire and other powers. As an example, understanding his journey provides insight into the motivations behind European exploration during the Age of Exploration.
The consequences of establishing this sea route were profound, reshaping global trade networks and contributing to the rise of European commercial empires. This allowed Portugal, and subsequently other European powers, to access the lucrative spice trade directly, accumulating vast wealth and influence. Examining his accomplishments provides crucial context for understanding the rise of mercantilism and the subsequent global power shifts that followed.
