Vasco da Gama Flashcards
When and where was Vasco da Gama born?
Vasco da Gama was born around 1460 in Sines, Portugal.
What was Vasco da Gama’s most famous achievement?
He was the first European to reach India by sea, opening a direct maritime trade route between Europe and Asia.
Why was Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India significant?
It established a direct sea route to India, transforming global trade and making Portugal a major colonial power.
What title was Vasco da Gama given on his final voyage to India?
He was appointed Viceroy of Portuguese India.
How did Vasco da Gama’s voyages change global trade?
His voyages opened a direct sea route between Europe and Asia, bypassing traditional overland routes dominated by Arab and Venetian traders.
What was the purpose of Vasco da Gama’s voyages?
The purpose was to find a sea route to India to access the lucrative spice trade.
Which king commissioned Vasco da Gama’s first voyage to India?
King Manuel I of Portugal.
How many voyages did Vasco da Gama make to India?
He made three voyages to India.
What role did Vasco da Gama play in the Portuguese Empire?
He helped establish Portuguese dominance in the Indian Ocean, which became the foundation for the Portuguese Empire in Asia.
What kind of challenges did Vasco da Gama face during his voyages?
He faced hostility from local traders, scurvy, and dangerous sea conditions.
What was Vasco da Gama’s approach to securing Portuguese interests in India?
He used aggressive and sometimes violent tactics to secure Portuguese dominance in trade.
How did Vasco da Gama die?
He died of illness in Cochin, India, in 1524 during his third voyage.
How is Vasco da Gama remembered today in Portugal?
He is celebrated as a national hero, with monuments and places named after him, such as the Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon.
What was the main motivation behind the Age of Exploration, during which Vasco da Gama sailed?
European nations were seeking new trade routes to access wealth in Asia, especially after the fall of Constantinople.
What notable tool helped Vasco da Gama navigate during his voyages?
The astrolabe, which allowed sailors to determine their latitude using the stars.
