The resistance from Arab traders was completely crushed by the Portugu...
Correct Answer:A
Albuquerque left Lisbon with Tristão da Cunha in April 1506 to explore the east coast of Africa and build a fortress on the island of Socotra to block the mouth of the Red Sea and cut off Arab trade with India.
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The resistance from Arab traders was completely crushed by the Portugu...
The resistance from Arab traders was completely crushed by the Portuguese under Albuquerque.
Background:
During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Portuguese were one of the major European powers engaged in maritime exploration and trade. They sought to establish a monopoly over the lucrative spice trade in the Indian Ocean, which was dominated by Arab traders at that time. The Portuguese used military force to subjugate and control the Arab traders and establish their dominance in the region.
Albuquerque and his role:
Albuquerque was a Portuguese general and naval officer who played a crucial role in the Portuguese conquest of the Indian Ocean. He was appointed as the second Governor of Portuguese India in 1509 and served in that position until 1515.
The conquest of Arab traders:
Under Albuquerque's leadership, the Portuguese launched several military campaigns to crush the resistance from Arab traders and establish Portuguese control over the Indian Ocean trade routes. Some of the key actions taken by Albuquerque include:
- Capture of Goa: In 1510, Albuquerque launched an attack on the city of Goa, which was a major trading center controlled by the Arab traders. After a fierce battle, the Portuguese managed to capture Goa and establish their presence in the region.
- Establishment of forts: Albuquerque recognized the importance of strategic forts in maintaining control over the trade routes. He built several forts along the Indian coast, including the Fort of Diu, Fort of Kochi, and Fort of Cannanore. These forts served as strongholds for the Portuguese and allowed them to control the movements of Arab traders.
- Naval dominance: Albuquerque also focused on building a strong naval fleet to secure Portuguese control over the Indian Ocean. He expanded the Portuguese navy and introduced new naval tactics. This naval dominance allowed the Portuguese to disrupt Arab trade and further weaken their resistance.
- Trade monopolies: Albuquerque implemented policies to establish Portuguese monopolies over the spice trade. He imposed high taxes on Arab traders and granted exclusive trading rights to Portuguese merchants. These measures further weakened the Arab traders' position and consolidated Portuguese control.
Outcome:
As a result of Albuquerque's actions, the resistance from Arab traders was completely crushed, and the Portuguese established their dominance in the Indian Ocean. The Portuguese controlled key trade routes, fortified strategic locations, and monopolized trade. This marked a significant shift in the balance of power in the region and contributed to the decline of Arab traders' influence in the Indian Ocean.
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