Portugal Exploration Essay

Introduction            The Portuguese geographical expedition highlighted the republics ascendancy to economicalal growth and power. geographic expeditions argon never mild endeavors. new-made lands will be disc overed, wherein achieving achievement is indeed very un genuine. Moreover, the mere feature that the inelegant needs to affix t upon) ensemble the materialsfrom food to ship repairs, atomic number 18 in like manner expensive. However, although explorations argon m subscribeed by enquiry and discouraging skies, its outcome nookie booster c adequate to enormous wealth and utilitys that will alter the earth to induce abundance in succeeding years to come. When Portugal never gave up its anticipates and dreams regarding land discoveries, such big ratiocination go awayed to ordained results. At the onset of the sixteenth maven C, Portugal pioneered explorations in the whole course of Europe, thus, discov ering more(prenominal)(prenominal) than and new routes to Africa, the Atlantic, Asia and heretofore South the States (Portugal n.d).            In the beginning, nobody has expected Portugal to literally batter the foundation. The nation was thitherfore mangled with poverty and to a certain extent, economic deterioration (Arnold 2002, p. 22). Given this web site at hand, domination is totally gulln out of the picture. If Portugal bunghole non even feed its admit hoi polloi, because(prenominal) it would be quickly unacceptable for it to contri exactlye the demands of land explorations and discoveries. However, this did not prevent the nation from pursuing its dreamsfrom materializing the aim to make its cause within the torn pages of history books.It glum out that Portugals on the face of it hopeless case is one of its greatest blessings. Since the nation was in its severe state, it has no other(a) natural select ion but to wait with the explorations. If billow seems to be impossible within the kingdom of land-based expansion, wherefore in that respect is still hope when such is done overseas (Arnold 2002, p.22). As Arnold (2002) explained, Portugals navigation victor fundamentally replaced the land-based orientation of wealth and power that was naturalized by the evolving Spanish (empire) (p. 22).Factors determining Portugals exploration success            There atomic number 18 different cyphers that argon attributed to Portugals exploration successes. These three argon highly characterized by marine initiateing as undemanding as the undying indorse wedded by the Portuguese government. The counterbalance factor has something to do with Portugals geographic rank (Portugal n.d). Portugal butt end be seen a enormous the west side of the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal n.d). Livingstone implied (1993) that the nation is promptly b lessed with its strategic location (p. 41). It possesses rivers that be great enough to be navigated (Livingstone 1993, p. 41). It has aff subject winds (Livingstone 1993, p. 41) that flush toilet take ships into their planned journeys or destination. The last but not the least is the existence of raw and organic harbors which creates a perfect and highly suit suitable put for mari epoch development (Livingstone 1993, p. 41).            If one has to take a closer look, this persuasion completely puts Portugal into a great advantage over its rivals or competitors. Once and for all, circumnavigating the world requires not only human skills, character in like manner plays an eventful role. Although, exceptional navigation talents be expected to arise, there is no disbelieve that if nature decides to intervene, the course would be more difficult and complicated as expected. It muckle be overly implied that Portugals geographic al design enabled the latter to discover more efficient routes from any angle. The crew piece of tail easily explore more unbe realizen(predicate) beas since they have good reference points that are crucial in testing maps.            On the other hand, the second factor send away be traced to Portugals developing maritime delivery (Portugal, n.d). The ports of Lisbon and Oporto became the cente of commerce and vocation for the country (Portugal n.d). Mostly of the financial have in minds that were utilise to jump out the voyages came from these foxiness districts (Portugal, n.d). However, aside from ante up the navigation plans, Maddision (2006) as well as mentioned that the bays and coast cities of Portugal is verdant enough to confer the needs and demands of the local anesthetic residents (p.22). Aside from trading per se, it skunk be seen that Portugal has other flairs of gaining incomes, increases and revenues. st ill because again, perhaps the greatest contributions of the maritime industry are the vast cognition and information that Portuguese fisherman has learned due to their constant and continuous denseness with the Atlantic seas (Maddison 2006, p.22). Their mastery of sea winds, tides and stomach (Maddison 2006, p.22). It allowed Portuguese explorers and navigators to conduct more investigate on navigation. Yet, more than anything else, they were able to bod ships that can withstand the pressures and un tell apartableships brought forth by unfathomable oceans (Maddison 2006, p.22). They created lateen sails and in the long run, they combined it with square sails which allowed them to sail through and through the South Atlantic and gain discover more ways or routes in the mantelpiece area (Maddison 2006, p.22).            Lastly, the third antigenic determinant of the Portuguese explorations success stems from the fact that its monar chy readily manifested support and encouragement for these plans (Portugal n.d). The government operated that impose privileges and insurances are usable for some(prenominal) the ship owners and navigators (Portugal n.d). As a division of fact, it is not only the king that readily lent a component part hand to make these downstairstakings possible. eve members of the nobility secure that they can be pillars of military strength and encouragement (Portugal n.d). Obviously, without the systems support and permission, the voyages would not happen. As previously mentioned, even if there are enough materials and supplies if the monarchy is not open to the idea, then Portugals domination whitethorn not come into place.The essential role of the Portuguese government, in this facet can be briefly mute in several points. Once and for all, the tax regulations enabled the nation to satisfy the prerogatives of exploration and at the same time ensure a healthy lifestyle for its lo cal citizens. Second, the monarchy served as a potent influence for both the explorers and local residents. If the king refused such plans, then the public would not be able to recognize its value and importance.Since local residents are the ones who are chiefly involved in production works, the explorers would have a hard and difficult time convincing these raft about their dreams and visions, if the king per se, would show doubts regarding the matter. Moreover, the monarchy is in charge of making decisions on how they can possible benefit from the discoveries that they madeto be more specific, the Portuguese government is in charge of devising strategies on how they can possible gain additions and revenues on new routes and land areas. This is primal for unless the people lie with that they benefit from it, they would continue to support such plan.A Brief autobiography of Portugal Exploration            In send to push reasons be hind the success ad hardship of the Portuguese exploration, it is best to have a brief discussion or portray of the nations navigation history. As mentioned earlier, the contributions of Portugal in the world can incomplete be questioned not taken for granted. crimson though it has eventually declined in the long years to come, it cannot be discounted that Portugal is one of the some nations that have coiffed to maintain and still tally its colonies by the end of the 19th century (Diffie & Winius 1977, p. 4). The mere fact that it was able to sustain such set-up exemplifies its power and strength.            Diffie and winius (1977) explained that Portugal was providential by the accomplishments of the Han and Roman Empires (p.4). However, since it cannot fully embarked on land-based conquests and imperialism, discovering other lands became the last recourse, and as discussed, natures blessings made a way for the nation embarked on long journeys and voyages.            The foundations of the Portuguese exploration can be traced to as far as 1415 (Wiarda 200, p. 21). In those times, Ceuta was then considered as the center of spice slew in the west (Wiarda 2000, p.21). Portugal has managed to put Ceuta under its authorisation and thus the urge to maneuver more lands became irresistible. While Ceuta was then an important investment for Portugal, Wiarda (2000), however noted that Portugals main goal by that time was to spread Christianity to Morrocco (p.4). Within the aspect of colonialism, organized religion is an indespensbale tool. The Portuguese readily used the matter to interact with the natives. Due to language barriers, it would be hard for both the colonizers and the colony to catch or communicate with each other. Thus, the archetype of having a Supreme Being bridged the shift between the two races.          &nbs p entirely on a closer examination, the downfall of Morocco, animate many of Portuguese warriors and soldiers to bring more honor, glory and prestige to their very own mother country (Wiarda 200, p.187). In rundown to that, Prince enthalpy who happened to be the very first supporter of Portuguese explorations have comprehend stories from prisoners about lands and areas that were still un discovered (Portugal n.d). The engender of Morocco allowed Prince atomic number 1 to have his first taste of the African cost (Portugal n.d). Having said this, indeed, his infrequency was advertise heightened. The excitement and passion to conquer more lands became stronger than ever.Prince henry The navigator            The success in Ceuta encouraged Prince Henry to show his undying support to explorations. Prince Henry can be best described as someone who knew how to transform his visions and ideals into realistic issues and c formerlyrns. Th e prince knows that explorations may not necessarily yield to positive results. But this did not discourage him. despite of the fact that there is a strong enthusiasm and excitement on Prince Henrys part, Wiarda (2000) stated that this does not mean that that the three-year-old leader was already aware(p) of explorations benefits and advantages (p.21). consort to Wiarda (2000) Prince Henrys elementary concern by then was the develop market for exotic and wild carnals (p.21). But in the long run, explorations commercial benefit was slowly embedded into the princes young mind.            On the other hand, the materialization of Prince Henrys dreams came into the picture during the reign of Joao II (Wiarda 2000, p. 21). The foundations of an exploration plan have been successfully laid out. Gallagher (2003) noted that the first melt down was to discover a route from Africa that can easily lead to India (p.5). With all these endeavors , the monarchy assured that they will handle all the proceeding and see to it that it reacheering activities would be expeditiously managed (Gallagher 2003, p. 80). The opposition against Spain led Portugal to keep its navigation development in extreme secrecy (Gallagher 2003, p.5). Even the voyages per se were kept confidential (Gallagher 2003, p5).            During those times, pall Bojador was seen as the end of the world (Wiarda 2000, p.187). Since there is already a signal pr permission from the monarchy to explore more, Prince Henry in return, challenged his men to go beyond the limits of mantle Bojardor (Wiarda 2000, p. 187). The whole crew landed in Madeira in 1420 and seven years after, the Portuguese explorers made their first step in Azores (Keefee et. al 1977, p.60). This was too the time when Portugal last confirmed that Cape Bojador was not the worlds end point (Keefe et.al 1977, p.60). This is simply the start of Port ugals domination. Even though the so-called Navigator died in 1460 (Portugal, n.d), his legacies was continue and still promoted by the succeeding Portugal rulers.            Historians and members of the academe outlined several distinct reasons regarding Prince Henrys obsessions. One of this is the urge to know more lands beyond Cape Bojador (Portugal n.d). In an era wherein bigger colonies equate to more economic successes, going beyond Cape Bojadors geographical limitations is an outright advantage. other reason is Portugals aim to develop trade relations to other areas or counties (Portugal n.d). There is besides the aim to discipline the strength of their rivals and at the same time, ensure that battles will be waged against those who opposed Christianity and therefore ensure that the religion would proliferate (Portugal n.d).Reasons for Exploration            In general and not only fo r Portugal, there are three determinants of why explorations happen or occur. The first one has something to do with the spice trade (Roupp 2001, p. 236). Spices such as nutmeg, mace, ginger, cinnamon and musical composition are pretty best-selling(predicate) in the European regions trade (Roupp 2001, p. 236). The Ottomans were able to take lead of the Eastern Mediterranean barter trade (Roupp 2001, p. 236) Because of this, European envoys had no other choice but to look for alternative routes. Since spices are very much in demand, there is no doubt that to become a spice supplier would indeed result to an increase in profits and revenues. The supply is low and the demands are high. Therefore, those who are able to satisfy the demand can also ask for a higher price. This line of descent are also supported by Kiple and Omelas (2000, p.436).            Kiple and Omelas (2000) mentioned that many European countries, most peculiarly those which are engaged in exploration are also seeking for a new route to get a steady supply of spices (p. 436). This according to the two, prompted competing nations to further improve their navigation tactics and skills. The challenger is stiff and they cannot remain calm. However, as for this case, since Portugal has already explored the areas beyond Cape Bojador, the challenge became an easy feat for the country.            During the initial steps, it was the Arabs that has total control over the matter (Wolpert 1999, p.45). However, a teeny-weeny fleet, headed by Vasco de Gama made the Arabs surrender (Wolpert 1999, p.45). According to Wolpert (1999), although De Gamas success enabled Portugal to establish a monopoly over spice trade (p.45). His triumph and glory is more than enough to pay from all the expenses that were spent during his journey (Wolpert 1999, p.45).            Roupp (2001) also noted that technology can be also considered as one of Portugals motivating durability for explorations (p. 236). The technological aspect means that as man continue to develop materials and tools to satisfy their needs, this brought them other opportunities. As for the case of Portugal, since they are able to cook ships and sails that are highly capable or navigating the earth, soon they found it that if they can further enhance these materials and incorporate several functions such as incorporating military weapons like the cannons, for example, they can easily defeat their enemies and those who are creating conflicts and hindrances (Roupp 2001, p. 236).            Lastly, Roupp (2001) upset that curiosity levels were readily high during the reincarnation period and thus, it became a motivational force for many nations to explore more of the uncharted world (p.236).            In the m eantime, if one has to critically assess it, it is apparent that the goal for profit and revenues best explains the intensity of Portuguese explorations. As readily discussed, the passing years allowed Portugal to radiate its economic hold and control. Prince Henrys focus on the exotic animal market shifted into another realm since the monarchy has also recognise the other benefits of voyages and expeditions. It can be also remembered that Portugal is also one of the pioneers of the buckle down trade in Africa.Since they have discovered more lands in the said continent, liquidation was reshaped. From goods that are bartered, human trade became touristed too. The cheap labor rendered by captured slaves and prisoners were seen as a good source of profit and income. Moreover, there is also the spice trade which further strengthened Portugals domination. Since they fundamentally spearheaded the exploration quests and technology, they have readily capitalized on it. The return of in vestments was more than what they have expected.Portugals Failure            Although Portugal was fundamentally at the apex of the suns way of its exploration successes the country failed to see certain events that would eventually lead to its bitter downfall.   by chance this can be best explained by the countrys inability to manage all its colonies (Portugal n.d). It has been carefully discussed in this paper that Portugal was able to discover more lands. This readily means that once they have colonized in those areas, they have to efficiently administrate all the activities that occur in it. This situation should not come as a surprise or it is rather expected.            number 1 of all, it is pretty impossible for Portugal to directly manage its colonies since they are miles away from each other. The empire has to send its people to those areas in order to ensure that everything fall s in their straitlaced places. But distant lands prohibit co-occurrent coordination and interaction among the leaders. For the monarchy, it is pretty hard for it to establish appropriate solutions and regulations for their colonies unless they have actual experience of the problem that is being manifested in a particular area. It would take months and years originally updates and reports can be handed to the King. The min that actions are ratified and certain laws are promulgated, there is a strong angle of dip that the problem has already become worse or the approaches used are no eternal applicable.            In addition to that, viceroys and name leaders have to be financially supported by the monarchy. This is done to ensure that area rulers have enough supply of food and other materials to sustain their familiar lives and activities. But of course, the financial support came from the local residents taxes and hard-earned mon ey. In the long run, there are also instances wherein the monarchy can no longer back-up and support these needs. This is most especially line up if Portuguese leaders have already built their families in their respective colonies. As a result, the profits and revenues that they have imperturbable from their colonies are barely enough for them to break away their stays and manage their specific domains.            It is also important to note that distance issues are also prone to illegal activities. appoint leaders could be tempted by the seemingly lucrative activities that are present in their colonies. When monitoring, coordinating and interacting are rarely practiced, then there is no doubt that Portuguese found itself on the losing end.            The last but definitely not the least is the shoemakers last of King Sebastian (Portugal n.d). This sad event be to be a golden prospect fo r Spain. King Philip II, who was the Spains rulers and King Sebastians uncle took over the latters position. What happened to Portugal then was that, it became Spains province (Portugal n.d). Relatively, the techniques and strategies that Portugal created and developed were exploit by Spain. Thus all the extrospective success was now done in the name of Spain instead of Portugal.Conclusion            Portugal is basically engulfed with the sweet promises of explorations and land discoveries. Although Roupp (2001) suggested that curiosity plays an important role, this aspect is outlasted by the need for profit and revenues (p.236). Once and for all, since Portugal has captured Ceuta, they have already recognized that if they can discover more lands, they can use the domains workings force to their own advantage. They can ask the natives to produce goods that are widely popular in the European market. Moreover, it is pretty impossible to conclude that Portugal simply tried to know new routes for curiositys pastime alone. The spice trade for example and the countrys domination and supremacy on the said area are manifestations of the dogged drive for both economic and geographic expansion.            However, since offshore management was not efficiently executed, such led to the downfall of what was once considered as the globes superpower.ReferencesArnold, D. 2002. The advance of Discovery, 1400-1600. Routledge the StatesDiffie, B  and Winius, D. (1977).   Foundations of the Portuguese Empire. Minnesota, regular army     University of Minnesota crunchGallagher, A. (2003). Prince Henry the Navigator Pioneer of Modern Exploration. New           York   Rosen publish Group IncKeefe, E. et. al (1977). Area handbook for Portugal. Washington, DC U.S. Government           Pri nting roleKiple, K and Omelas, K. 2000. The Cambridge World annals of Food. Cambridge         University Press EdinburghLivingstone, D. 1993. The Geographical Tradition Episodes in the History of A Contested        Enterprise. Blackwell Publishing USAMaddisson, A. 2006. The World Economy. OECD FrancePortugal n.d. University of Calgary. Retrieved 18 March 2008 from             http//www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/ charabanc/eurvoya/portuguese.htmlRoupp, H. 2001. How to Prepare for SAT II. Barrons New YorkWiarda, I. (2000). Handbook of Portuguese Studies. USA Xlibris bow windowWolpert, S. 1999. India. University of California Press Berkeley