Which of the following best explains why the Portuguese expanded into the Indian Ocean?

Question

a. The Portuguese empire wanted to find a route to the Caribbean sugar trade
b. With the Ottoman capture of Constantinople, the Portuguese had to find another route to access with Asian spice trade
c. The Portuguese developed superior technology, and the Indian Ocean was an ideal environment
d. The Portuguese heard of the building of the Taj Mahal in the Mughal Empire

Answer 1

The best explanation for why the Portuguese expanded into the Indian Ocean is:

b. With the Ottoman capture of Constantinople, the Portuguese had to find another route to access with Asian spice trade.

This choice highlights the shift in trade dynamics due to geopolitical changes, leading the Portuguese to seek alternative routes for accessing valuable spices and other goods from Asia.