Vasco da Gama! Flashcards
What was the challenge Portuguese sailors faced in reaching Asia?
East African ports had been trading with Asia for centuries, but for Europeans to do this, they had to sail around the treacherous Cape of Good Hope at the southern end of the African continent.
What were the Portuguese attempting to do while Columbus was sailing west?
While Columbus had been sailing west, the Portuguese were attempting to reach Asia by sailing east – around Africa.
How did Portuguese sailors attempt to reach Asia in the 15th century?
Throughout the 15th century, Portuguese sailors traveled further and further down Africa’s west coast, but very few were able to pass the Cape.
What was Vasco da Gama’s mission in 1497?
In 1497, the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was chosen to lead an expedition to India.
What happened when Vasco da Gama set sail?
On 8 July 1497, his fleet of four ships and 170 men left Lisbon.
When did Vasco da Gama land in India and where did he land?
Almost one year later, he landed at Calicut (now known as Kozhikode) in India, where they met the local king and exchanged European goods for a selection of Indian spices.
What challenges did Vasco da Gama face during his journey back?
After a horrendous journey home through the Indian monsoon, da Gama landed in Lisbon on 10 July 1499.
What challenges did Vasco da Gama face during his journey back?
After a horrendous journey home through the Indian monsoon, da Gama landed in Lisbon on 10 July 1499
What was the outcome of Vasco da Gama’s expedition?
Only 54 of his men had survived, but that did not matter to da Gama; he had become the first European to successfully sail to, and trade with, India.
What happened after Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage?
In the years that followed, Portuguese sailors established a permanent trading post in Calicut and terrorized the Muslim merchants who had previously dominated Indian Ocean trade.
What emerged in Europe after Vasco da Gama’s voyage?
A new age of trade, colonies, and empire was emerging in Europe.
