The Portuguese Empire began in 1415 with the conquering of Ceuta in North Africa under Prince Henry the Navigator. Key figures included Pedro Álvares Cabral, who discovered and claimed Brazil for Portugal, and Vasco de Gama, the first to sail directly from Europe to India. By the late 15th century, Portugal had established colonies and forts throughout Africa, India, and Southeast Asia, becoming the first global empire and pioneering globalization through its extensive colonial trading network. However, its power declined in the late 16th century after the crowns of Spain and Portugal were united under King Philip II of Spain, bringing new colonial rivals like the Dutch and English.

1. The Portuguese Empire History 140 By: Cara Treneer

4. 1494 Treaty of Tordesillas Spain got all lands to the west of Cape Verde islands, and Portugal for all land to the east.

5. 1500 Portugal claimed Brazil

6. Fall of Constantinople cut of trade from the east to Portugal

7. Portugal was the leading European Power in the 15th and 16th century with its extensive colonial trading empire.

8. 1415 was the beginning of the Portuguese Empire. With the conquering of the North African city Ceuta. It was rich with trade here.

10. 1514 Portuguese reached and established a base on the Spice islands

12. Longest-lived of the modern European Colonial empires for almost 6 centuries from the capture of Ceuta in 1445 to the handover of Macau in 1999.

13. First civilization to start globalization.

15. As a result Philip of Spain became Philip I of Portugal in 1580

16. This put Spain and Portugal under one rule.

17. The joining of the crown brought new enemies like their long time ally England.

19. Has over 300 years of history as a colony.

20. Economically the area was explored for brazilwood, sugarcane, and later diamonds and gold.

21. Slaves were brought from Africa for the economies labor.