In this episode, I look at the early efforts of the Portuguese to intrude upon the spice trade in the Indian Ocean. Within six months of Vasco da Gama's return, King Manuel I had outfitted and armed a larger flotilla. It would be the start of a series of fleets of ever-increasing size and firepower that would last until the mid-17th century. These fleets would be instrumental in the Portuguese success and lay the foundation of their emerging empire. The Portuguese would develop a strategy of terror and violence to gain the submission of the local rulers and access to the lucrative spice markets.
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Resources:
Map of the Portuguese India Run (Carreira da Índia)
Conquerors : How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire by Roger Crowley
Intro Music: Hayden Symphony #39
Outro Music: Vivaldi Concerto for Mandolin and Strings in D