Final answer:
Portugal's empire-building from 1450 to 1700 was fueled by a blend of religious zeal, a quest for wealth, strategic territorial control, and political maneuvers. These included alliances with African kingdoms and the unique transatlantic governance structure established by the House of Braganza in Brazil.
Step-by-step explanation:
Portuguese Political Motivations for Empire Building (1450-1700)
The political motivations behind Portugal's drive to build an empire from 1450 to 1700 were multi-faceted. Portuguese mariners and merchants leveraged strategic Atlantic islands such as the Canary, Cape Verde, Azores, and Madeira as outposts for further expeditions, facilitating the spread of the empire to Africa, India, and Brazil.
Religious fervor and the desire for an alliance with the mythical King Prester John were significant motivators, as were aspirations for wealth from trading gold, ivory, and enslaved people. The capture of strategic locations like Ceuta and the fortress of Elmina underscored Portugal's ambition to dominate trade routes and forge relationships with African kingdoms.
In a bid to consolidate power and maintain territorial integrity, the House of Braganza relocated the royal court to Brazil, leading to a unique form of governance where Brazil continued as a unified nation post-independence. Under Emperor Pedro I, a Portuguese royal, trade and bureaucratic control remained largely in the hands of the Portuguese, showcasing the enduring political and economic influence of Portugal in its empire.