Vasco da Gama: Portuguese Navigator

The explorations and accomplishments of Vasco da Gama changed Portugal from a poor nation to one of the world’s greatest powers. His persona and exploits distinguished him as an influential pioneer who helped shape Portugal as a nation for the next 100 years. Vasco da Gama was born sometime in the 1460s near the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. Born into a wealthy and respected family of high-ranking soldiers, Gama also trained to be a soldier, …

…country of South Africa. Vasco da Gama’s travels and accomplishments revolutionized Portugal. The small country was transformed by Gama’s treaty with India that allowed direct trade. Trading directly with India kept prices low in Portugal and also allowed Portugal to sell goods at inflated prices to other countries. Portugal became one of the most powerful and wealthy nations in the world and remained so for approximately the next one hundred years. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**