A Letter to the King on the Portuguese Empire. King Philip II

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A Letter to the King on the Portuguese Empire
His Royal Highness the King of Spain,
King Philip II,
Dear Sir,
Given your appointment to the office, I would like to offer you a brief analysis of the Portuguese Empire. In regards to your request, I will be answering a few questions that will provide a brief overview of the Portuguese Empire overseas. The intensive exploration by the Portuguese in the 15th and 16th centuries contributed to their discovery of Asia, Africa, Brazil, and Canada. The voyage by Vasco da Gama to India in 1498 was responsible for opening up on new routes that were for commerce. The newly found directions expanded to Asia, Africa, and America, and the result was an expanded territory by the Portuguese. Vasco da Gama and Prince Henry of Portugal are associated with “maritime trade” with other continents. Systematic explorations made it possible for the Portuguese to continue expanding following the establishment of new routes.
“Late medieval developments in ship design helped by the end of the fifteenth century, the Portuguese had developed the caravel, a two or three-masted ship which, with its combination of square sails and lateen sails, was capable of oceanic sailing and suitable for exploring shallow waters on African shores” (205). The Portuguese enjoyed the presence of nobles who crusaded war with the intent of gaining fortune and fame. Therefore, the Portuguese empire expanded to Asia, America, and Africa with “Henry the Navigator as a key figure.” Accordingly, he organized attacks to Morocc...