How did the Portuguese control the Indian Ocean spice trade?

Portuguese and the East Indies Spice Trade In 1511, Portuguese, in pursuit of controlling the valuable spice trade, captured the strategic commercial center of Meleka on the Malay Peninsula. This opened the way for direct passage to the islands that produced spices.

What did the Portuguese do to control trade in the region?

To strengthen their position along the coast the Portuguese erected massive stone fortresses in Kilwa, Sofala, Mozambique Island and Mombasa. These fortresses enabled them to control the trade in the western Indian Ocean as well as the trade with the African kingdoms in the interior.

How did the Portuguese try to control their trade networks?

Portugal’s intent in the ,”trading post empire”, was not to create a large territory but to control commerce down in the Indian Ocean, by using force of arms rather than economic competition.

Why did the Portuguese want to control the spice trade?

Because going through all those countries with spices there would be taxes paid. So when Portugal arrived to India by sea, it allowed US to get the same spices and take them to Europe ( Portugal) without paying taxes hence a the price was much much lower but still profitableto Portugal.

Who controlled the spice trade before the Portuguese?

In subsequent struggles to gain control of the trade, Portugal was eventually eclipsed, after more than a century as the dominant power. By the 19th century, British interests were firmly rooted in India and Ceylon, while the Dutch were in control of the greater part of the East Indies.

What did the Portuguese most want to control?

The Portuguese goal of finding a sea route to Asia was finally achieved in a ground-breaking voyage commanded by Vasco da Gama, who reached Calicut in western India in 1498, becoming the first European to reach India. Portugal’s purpose in the Indian Ocean was to ensure the monopoly of the spice trade.

How long did the Portuguese control the spice trade?

By the year 1511, the Portuguese were in control of the spice trade of the Malabar coast of India and Ceylon. Until the end of the 16th century, their monopoly on the spice trade to India was exceptionally profitable for the Portuguese.

How did Portugal establish control of the route to the east?

In 1505 King Manuel I of Portugal appointed Francisco de Almeida first Viceroy of Portuguese India, establishing the Portuguese government in the east.

How did the Portuguese gain control of the east African coast?

Between 1497- 1499 Vasco da Gama at the command of King Emmanuel the fortunate of Portugal visited Mozambique, Mombasa and Malindi on his way to India. In response to Vasco da Gama’s expeditions, the king of Portugal sent fleets of ships to conquer the important trading towns of the East African coast.

When did Portugal control the spice trade?

1511
The Portuguese in India By the year 1511, the Portuguese were in control of the spice trade of the Malabar coast of India and Ceylon. Until the end of the 16th century, their monopoly on the spice trade to India was exceptionally profitable for the Portuguese.

Which European state took over the spice trade from Portugal?

In the early 1600s the Dutch took over the spice trade from the Portuguese and ran them out. – A big reason for European expansion because the spice trade had great economic opportunities in the east (India, China, etc.).

What did the Portuguese trade?

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.