Question

Which of the following best explains a similar motivation behind the establishment of Portuguese trading posts in Africa and the establishment of Portuguese trading posts in Asia?

A- The trading posts in both regions were intended to prevent economic collapse following the disintegration of powerful local empires.
B- The trading posts in both regions were intended to facilitate commercial cooperation between European states.
C- The trading posts in both regions were intended to facilitate the transfer of slaves to the Americas.
D- The trading posts in both regions were intended to allow the Portuguese to control access to heavily trafficked maritime routes.

Answer 1

The trading posts in both regions were intended to allow the Portuguese to control access to heavily trafficked maritime routes. (option D)

Step-by-step explanation:

The establishment of Portuguese trading posts in both Africa and Asia was primarily driven by the strategic objective of controlling access to vital maritime routes. The Portuguese sought to dominate key trade routes to secure lucrative trade in valuable goods, including spices and precious metals. In Africa, they aimed to control the sea routes around the Cape of Good Hope, while in Asia, their focus was on routes to and from the Indian Ocean. By establishing trading posts, the Portuguese could regulate and monopolize trade, ensuring their dominance in the emerging global trade network during the Age of Exploration.

The common motivation behind Portuguese trading posts in Africa and Asia was the strategic control of crucial maritime routes, reflecting the broader European competition for dominance in global trade during the Age of Exploration. This approach allowed the Portuguese to exert influence and reap economic benefits from the flow of goods between Europe and these distant regions.