Henry the Navigator was a prince of which country, known for supporting early exploration to challenge established trade powers?

Henry the Navigator was a prince of which country, known for supporting early exploration to challenge established trade powers?

• A. Spain
• B. England
• C. France
• D. Portugal

Answer: (D)

Henry the Navigator was a prince of Portugal who became famous for backing early voyages of exploration with the aim of challenging established trade powers by finding direct sea routes to Asia and bypassing the traditional overland and Mediterranean routes. He didn’t sail himself much; instead, he funded expeditions, promoted navigational science, improved ship design, and helped establish a center for exploration along the Portuguese coast. This support allowed Portugal to push down the African coast, open new trade links, and lay the groundwork for a maritime empire that challenged the existing trade networks dominated by others. While Spain, England, and France played major roles in exploration later on, the distinctive patronage and early voyages that started this shift came from Portugal.

Henry the Navigator was a prince of Portugal who became famous for backing early voyages of exploration with the aim of challenging established trade powers by finding direct sea routes to Asia and bypassing the traditional overland and Mediterranean routes. He didn’t sail himself much; instead, he funded expeditions, promoted navigational science, improved ship design, and helped establish a center for exploration along the Portuguese coast. This support allowed Portugal to push down the African coast, open new trade links, and lay the groundwork for a maritime empire that challenged the existing trade networks dominated by others. While Spain, England, and France played major roles in exploration later on, the distinctive patronage and early voyages that started this shift came from Portugal.