which of the following best suggests why the Portuguese did not try to make as many colonies in Asia as the Spanish did in the eastern hemisphere

Answer 1

There are several reasons why the Portuguese did not try to make as many colonies in Asia as the Spanish did in the eastern hemisphere.

One reason is that the Portuguese focused more on trade rather than colonization. Portugal had a long maritime trading tradition and had established profitable trade routes along the African coast. They saw Asia as a lucrative market for exotic goods, such as spices and silks, rather than land to conquer and colonize.

Additionally, the Portuguese had limited resources compared to the Spanish. Portugal was a small country with a relatively small population and limited financial means. Therefore, they lacked the manpower and resources required to establish and sustain large-scale colonies in Asia like the Spanish did in the Americas.

Furthermore, the Portuguese faced strong competition from other European powers in Asia, such as the Dutch and the British. These rival powers also sought to establish their own trading networks in the region, leading to conflicts and limited opportunities for Portuguese colonization.

Lastly, the Portuguese had a different approach to colonization compared to the Spanish. While the Spanish aimed to assert control over the indigenous populations and exploit their resources, the Portuguese focused on establishing trading posts and forming alliances with local rulers. This approach allowed them to control strategic points along the trade routes without the need for extensive colonization efforts.

In summary, the Portuguese did not attempt to make as many colonies in Asia as the Spanish in the eastern hemisphere due to their focus on trade rather than colonization, limited resources, competition from other European powers, and their different approach to colonization.