European colonization of the Americas

Part 1- Portugal

Background info

Although many countries explored the Americas, there are four dominant countries that are generally considered the to have been leaders in the area of exploration

The “Big Four”

• Portugal

• Spain

• France

• Great Britain

Portugal

• Portugal was the leading country in the European exploration of the world in the 15th century

• Having a long shoreline with many harbors and rivers flowing westward to the ocean, had been an ideal environment to raise generations of adventurous seamen.

Portugal cont.

• Portugal was led by the genius of Prince Henry the Navigator. Under his guidance, Portugal became world leaders in the area of exploration

• He had the best information and most accurate instruments and maps that could be obtained in the time period

• The ship the Portuguese used to explore was known as a caravel

Portuguese Caravel

Portuguese caravel, adorned with the Cross of the Order of Christ. This was the standard model used by the Portuguese in their voyages of exploration. It could accommodate about 20 sailors.

Famous Portuguese Explorers

• Pedro Álvares Cabral- Discovered and settled Brazil

• Gaspar Corte-Real & Miguel Corte-Real- Brothers who discovered Nova Scotia and Labrador and claimed it for the Portuguese crown.

Notes about Portuguese Exploration

• The Portuguese did not divide their colonial territory in America

• Control stayed with the crown

References

• http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/2/24/h24-1320-e.html

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal_in_the_Age_of_Discovery