Final answer:
Portuguese exploration led to significant economic and social developments, including the creation of a global economy with new trade routes, cultural exchanges, and the introduction of new commodities into global markets.
Step-by-step explanation:
Portuguese Exploration's Economic and Social Impact
The exploration led by Portugal marked the beginning of the European Age of Discovery and had profound economic and social impacts. The Portuguese, aided by navigation technologies such as the compass, astrolabe, and caravel, pioneered new sea routes to Africa, India, and beyond. This expansion of trade routes allowed Portugal to create a global economy, as they established trading ports along the coast of West Africa and in India, and reached farther to Japan and China. They imported spices, textiles, gold, and ivory, enhancing the wealth of Portugal and sparking further European explorations.
From a social perspective, Portuguese exploration facilitated cultural exchanges, led to the spread of Christianity, and catalyzed encounters with diverse populations, animals, and plants. Europe witnessed significant growth in global trade and culture. The introduction of new commodities and silver from the Americas into global trade networks transformed both European and non-European societies.
The overall impact of Portuguese exploration was therefore significant, leading to the C option: Portugal's exploration led to the growth of trade routes and cultural exchanges, which indicates a clear positive effect on the economic and social development of the region and the world at large.