Portugal's history dates back to the Middle Ages. During the Age of Discovery, Portugal became a world power through its spice and slave trades. However, losses in battles and natural disasters weakened Portugal in the 15th-17th centuries. Portugal established the first global empire and explored the coast of Africa starting in 1419. Through these voyages, Portugal gained great wealth but its empire later declined due to attacks from rival powers and its inability to defend its large network as a junior partner to Spain.

1. American Colonial Empires: Portugal and SpainTheme 3 Part 1Hayley PhillipsHistory 140

3. During Europe’s “Age of Discovery,” Portugal ascended to the status of World Power

4. The Dutch, English, and French took an increasing amount of spice and slave trade that put Portugal at a loss of wealth and status

6. They included the battle of AlcacerQuibir in Morroco in 1578, and Spain’s attempt to conquer England in 1588

8. In 1419 began the exploration of Portuguese sailors to the coast of Africa

9. Using recent technology and navigation they destined to find the route of the spice trade

11. Portugal became the subject of attack because of the three rival European powers hostile over Spain

12. Due to its smaller population Portugal was unable to defend its network and there fore the empire began to decline

14. Brazil was known as the United Kingdom of Portugal

15. The economic exploration consisted of sugar, gold and diamond mining, and slaves from Africa

17. Agricultural goods such as; Tobacco, cotton and cachaca

18. Sugar was the far most important colonial product until the early 18th century

19. Sugarcane was cultivated on large patches of land and harvested