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How did the Portuguese explorers affect the trade routes in the Indian Ocean?

Duncan Liggins

The Portuguese explorers had a significant impact on the trade routes in the Indian Ocean during the 15th and 16th centuries. Their arrival brought about a new era of European colonization, with Portugal establishing a powerful presence in the region that lasted for centuries.

One of the most notable impacts of the Portuguese explorers was their ability to control key trade routes in the Indian Ocean. By establishing a series of fortified trading posts and ports along the coast of Africa and India, the Portuguese were able to control the flow of goods and influence trading patterns throughout the region. This control gave them a significant advantage over competing European powers and secured their place as a dominant force in the Indian Ocean trade network.

In addition to their physical presence in the region, the Portuguese also brought with them new technologies and trade practices that revolutionized the way trade was conducted in the Indian Ocean. They introduced new navigation techniques, improved shipbuilding methods, and established a system for credit-based trade that facilitated the exchange of goods across long distances. These innovations helped to expand and diversify the trade network, allowing for the exchange of new and exotic goods between Africa, India, and Europe.

However, the Portuguese explorers also had a darker impact on the region. Their arrival marked the beginning of a new era of colonization and exploitation, with the Portuguese seeking to exploit the region's resources and establish a monopoly on trade. This led to the brutal subjugation of local populations, with the Portuguese engaging in slave trading and imposing their own laws and customs on the people they encountered.

Despite their controversial legacy, the Portuguese explorers had a profound and lasting impact on the trade routes in the Indian Ocean. Their innovations, combined with their ambitious exploration and thirst for expansion, paved the way for the modern global economy and forever changed the course of world history.