Episode 7: The India Armadas

In this episode, I look at the early efforts of the Portuguese to intrude upon the spice trade in the Indian Ocean.  Within six months of Vasco da Gama's return, King Manuel I had outfitted and armed a larger flotilla.  It would be the start of a series of fleets of ever-increasing size and firepower that would last until the mid-17th century.  These fleets would be instrumental in the Portuguese success and lay the foundation of their emerging empire.  The Portuguese would develop a strategy of terror and violence to gain the submission of the local rulers and access to the lucrative spice markets. 

Podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/i-take-history-with-my-coffee/
Visit my blog at itakehistory.com and also on Facebook at I Take History With My Coffee.
Comments and feedback can be sent to itakehistory@gmail.com. Refer to the episode number in the subject line.

Resources:
Map of the Portuguese India Run (Carreira da Índia)
Conquerors : How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire by Roger Crowley


Intro Music: Hayden Symphony #39
Outro Music: Vivaldi Concerto for Mandolin and Strings in D