Portugal and Spain
nThe initiative for Atlantic exploration came from Portugal.
nPrince Henry the Navigator directed explorations motivated by Christian missionary zeal, the excitement of discovery, and a thirst for wealth.
nFrom 1434, Portuguese vessels, searching for a route to India, traveled ever farther southward along the African coast.
nIn 1488, they passed the Cape of Good Hope.
nVasco da Gama reached India in 1497.
nIn 1500, Pedro Alvarez Cabral’s fleet blew off course, reached Brazil.
nBy 1514, the Portuguese had reached Indonesia and China.
nIn 1542, they arrived in Japan and began Catholic missionary activity.
