How did other countries respond when Portugal built a global empire

Answer 1

When Portugal built a global empire during the Age of Discovery, other countries responded in various ways. Here are some general responses from different countries:

1. Spain: As both Spain and Portugal were major naval powers during this period, they sometimes engaged in conflicts over their respective territorial claims. The Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 helped to peacefully divide the newly discovered lands between the two countries, reducing tensions to some extent.

2. The Netherlands: The Dutch, inspired by Portugal's success, began making their own voyages of exploration and established their own overseas colonies. They competed with Portugal in various regions, such as the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.

3. England: England was initially slow in responding to Portugal's empire-building activities and focused more on exploring and establishing colonies in North America. However, as tensions escalated between England and Spain, English piracy and privateering activities increased in relation to the Spanish and Portuguese territories.

4. France: Similar to England, France initially focused more on exploring and establishing colonies in North America. However, they also engaged in conflicts with Portugal during the 16th century, as both countries sought to expand their influence and control over territories.

5. Ottoman Empire: The Ottoman Empire, which controlled significant portions of the Mediterranean region and Eastern Europe, observed Portugal's empire-building activities with interest. They occasionally clashed with Portuguese forces in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf, but overall, the Ottomans focused more on their regional interests.

6. Indigenous Peoples: The indigenous populations of the newly discovered lands faced significant changes due to Portugal's presence. They were subjected to colonization, forced labor, and attempts at conversion to Christianity. Resistance movements and conflicts between indigenous peoples and Portuguese forces often ensued.

It is important to note that these responses varied depending on individual circumstances, political dynamics, and specific regions of interaction. Additionally, Portugal's empire-building activities significantly shaped the geopolitical landscape of that time, contributing to rivalries, collaborations, and power struggles among several European countries.