Economic Motives:
* Trade: Portugal was a small nation with limited resources. Seeking to break free from the control of powerful Italian merchants who dominated trade routes to the East, they sought new, direct routes to Asia, particularly for spices.
* Wealth: The discovery of gold, diamonds, and other precious resources in Africa and the Americas fuelled a desire for wealth and economic expansion.
* Sugar: Portugal established large-scale sugar plantations on islands like Madeira and São Tomé, creating a lucrative market for slave labor and fueling further exploration.
Political Motives:
* National Prestige: Portugal sought to establish itself as a major power on the world stage, competing with Spain and other European nations for dominance. Exploration and colonization were seen as a way to enhance national prestige and influence.
* Religious Zeal: The Portuguese were fervent Catholics, and saw it as their duty to spread Christianity and convert new populations. They sought to establish new trading posts and missionary outposts in Africa and Asia.
* Rivalries: Portugal's rivalry with Spain, particularly after the Reconquista, drove the pursuit of new trade routes and territories to gain an advantage.
Technological Advancements:
* Navigation: The Portuguese developed advanced navigation techniques, including the use of the compass, astrolabe, and caravel, a fast and maneuverable ship.
* Cartography: Accurate maps and charts were essential for exploration and enabled Portuguese sailors to navigate uncharted waters with greater confidence.
Individual Ambition:
* Glory: Explorers like Vasco da Gama and Pedro Álvares Cabral were driven by personal ambition, seeking fame and fortune.
* Knowledge: The desire to understand the world beyond Europe and to expand geographic knowledge motivated many explorers.
It's important to remember that these factors were interconnected. The desire for wealth spurred technological advancements, which in turn enabled further exploration, further fueling the pursuit of wealth and power. This cycle fueled the Portuguese Age of Exploration and its lasting impact on the world.