which of the following describes a major difference between the spanish and portuguese accomplishments…

which of the following describes a major difference between the spanish and portuguese accomplishments during the age of exploration?\na. the portuguese were the first to sail directly from europe to india, while the spanish were the first to sail directly to the caribbean\nb. the portuguese were concerned with navigating around the globe, while the spanish were more interested in conquering territory.\nc. the portuguese were willing to finance foreign explorers, while the spanish refused to support any non-spanish expedition.\nd. the portuguese relied on the mariners astrolabe to navigate their ships, while the spanish relied on newly developed compasses.

which of the following describes a major difference between the spanish and portuguese accomplishments during the age of exploration?\na. the portuguese were the first to sail directly from europe to india, while the spanish were the first to sail directly to the caribbean\nb. the portuguese were concerned with navigating around the globe, while the spanish were more interested in conquering territory.\nc. the portuguese were willing to finance foreign explorers, while the spanish refused to support any non-spanish expedition.\nd. the portuguese relied on the mariners astrolabe to navigate their ships, while the spanish relied on newly developed compasses.

Answer

Brief Explanations:

  • Option A:
    • Vasco da Gama (Portuguese) was the first to sail directly from Europe to India in 1498.
    • Christopher Columbus (supported by Spain) reached the Caribbean in 1492. This option correctly highlights a major difference in their exploration achievements.
  • Option B:
    • Both the Portuguese (e.g., Ferdinand Magellan - although he was Portuguese, his expedition was sponsored by Spain) and the Spanish were interested in global navigation. Magellan's expedition (1519 - 1522) aimed to circumnavigate the globe. Also, the Spanish were very much interested in conquering territory (e.g., in the Americas), but the Portuguese also had territorial conquests (e.g., in Africa, Asia). So this option is incorrect as it over - simplifies the interests.
  • Option C:
    • The Spanish did support non - Spanish explorers. For example, Christopher Columbus was Italian but was sponsored by the Spanish crown. So this option is factually wrong.
  • Option D:
    • Both the Portuguese and the Spanish used compasses. The mariner's astrolabe was used by both as well for navigation. So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

A. The Portuguese were the first to sail directly from Europe to India, while the Spanish were the first to sail directly to the Caribbean.