Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

"The trade in the market of Lisbon is a very considerable one because of the connection Lisbon has with all the other European markets and with the New World. The volume of the commercial exchanges is enormous, and the traders are very wealthy; they make huge amounts of money, lost by the Venetians, merely with the spices and drugs that are brought to Lisbon since the trade of Syria and Alexandria through the Red Sea expired around 1504." Report of two Venetian ambassadors accompanying King Philip II of Spain to Lisbon, Portugal, circa 1581-83

Which of the following most directly led to the changed status of Lisbon in the spice trade as described by the ambassadors?

Rationale

Da Gama's discovery of a sea route to India.

Vasco da Gama's successful voyage to India in 1498 established a direct maritime route for the spice trade, significantly enhancing Lisbon’s status as a central hub for commerce between Europe and the East. This new route allowed Portuguese traders to bypass overland routes controlled by other powers, greatly increasing the volume and profitability of trade flowing through Lisbon.

A (The fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks) YOUR ANSWER

The fall of Constantinople in 1453 disrupted traditional trade routes to Asia but did not directly elevate Lisbon's status. Instead, it shifted trade dynamics and increased European interest in finding alternative routes. While it contributed to the search for a sea route to India, it was Da Gama's discovery that directly transformed Lisbon's role in the spice trade.

B (Columbus discovery of the Americas) YOUR ANSWER

Columbus' voyage in 1492 opened the New World for exploration and exploitation but did not directly influence the spice trade in the Indian Ocean. His discovery shifted European focus toward the Americas, leading to wealth from new colonies rather than enhancing Lisbon's position in spice commerce, which remained focused on Asia.

C (Da Gama's discovery of a sea route to India) CORRECT

This choice directly correlates with the transformation of Lisbon into a major trade center. Da Gama's route allowed Portugal to access spices directly from India, maximizing profits and establishing Lisbon as a key European market for these goods, as noted by the Venetian ambassadors.

D (Marco Polo's journey along the Silk Roads to China) YOUR ANSWER

While Marco Polo's travels in the 13th century provided valuable knowledge about Asian trade, they predated the rise of Lisbon’s spice trade prominence. His journey inspired later exploration, but it was not the catalyst for the shift in trading power to Lisbon as that came with the establishment of direct sea routes like those pioneered by Da Gama.

Conclusion

Da Gama's discovery of a sea route to India fundamentally altered the spice trade dynamics, enabling Lisbon to emerge as a crucial trading hub for European merchants. This strategic maritime route bypassed previous overland controls, directly linking Lisbon with rich spice markets and leading to the city's economic prosperity highlighted by the Venetian ambassadors.

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