Explain Portuguese Trade.
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Portuguese trade refers to the maritime commercial activities conducted by Portugal during the Age of Exploration, particularly in the 15th and 16th centuries. Portugal, under the leadership of Prince Henry the Navigator, established an extensive trade network, expanding its influence globally.
The Portuguese were pioneers in exploring sea routes to Asia and Africa. Vasco da Gama's successful voyage around the Cape of Good Hope to India in 1498 opened a direct sea route to the lucrative spice trade of the East. The establishment of fortified trading posts along the coasts of Africa, India, and Southeast Asia, such as Goa, Malacca, and Macau, allowed Portugal to dominate key trade routes.
The Portuguese trade was characterized by the exchange of goods, including spices, precious metals, textiles, and other commodities, between Europe and the East. They played a significant role in shaping the early stages of the global trading system. However, Portuguese dominance faced challenges from rival European powers like the Dutch and the British, leading to shifts in global trade dynamics over time. The legacy of Portuguese exploration and trade can be seen in the cultural and economic interactions that continue to influence the regions they touched during this period.