USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Portugal’s purpose in the Indian Ocean was to ensure the monopoly of the spice trade. Taking advantage of the rivalries that pitted Hindus against Muslims, the Portuguese established several forts and trading posts between 1500 and 1510.

Detailed explanation-2: -Because the Portuguese did not want to be dependent on the Muslim Turks for their spices, they were determined to find a maritime route to Asia to profit from the highly lucrative spice trade.

Detailed explanation-3: -Portugal was able to monopolise the stream of merchandise from Asia by blockading the entrance to the Red Sea and the Gulf and diverting supplies via the Cape of Good instead of via the Mediterranean.

Detailed explanation-4: -The main Portuguese goal was trade, not colonization or conquest. Soon its ships were bringing into the European market highly valued gold, ivory, pepper, cotton, sugar, and slaves. The slave trade, for example, was conducted by a few dozen merchants in Lisbon.

Detailed explanation-5: -By making it seem hard to obtain and rare, the Arabs controlled and inflated the price of spices to their European customers. Spices were so valuable that dock workers in London in the 16th century were paid in Cloves for their bonuses.