Portugal Leads the Search for a Sea Route
Portugal Leads the Search for a Sea Route is a Grade 5 history skill from California myWorld Interactive, Chapter 2: Age of Exploration. Students learn how Prince Henry the Navigator established a school for navigation around 1419 where sailors, mapmakers, and shipbuilders collaborated to improve ships and skills, launching Portuguese explorers on long voyages down the African coast toward Asia.
Key Concepts
The country of Portugal became the leader in the search for a sea route to Asia. A Portuguese ruler named Prince Henry the Navigator was a key reason for this. He wanted his country's sailors to find a new path to the riches of Asia.
Around 1419, Prince Henry started a school for navigation. At this school, sailors, mapmakers, and shipbuilders worked together. They shared knowledge to improve their ships and sailing skills. This helped Portuguese explorers begin making long voyages down the coast of Africa.
Common Questions
Who was Prince Henry the Navigator?
Prince Henry the Navigator was a Portuguese ruler who founded a school for navigation around 1419. He wanted Portugal to find a new sea route to the riches of Asia.
What did Prince Henry's navigation school do?
The school brought together sailors, mapmakers, and shipbuilders who shared knowledge to improve ships and sailing skills, enabling Portuguese explorers to make long voyages down the African coast.
Why did Portugal lead European exploration?
Prince Henry's investment in navigation education gave Portugal a head start in developing better ships and sailing techniques, making Portuguese explorers among the most skilled in the world.
What textbook covers Portugal's exploration for Grade 5?
This topic is covered in California myWorld Interactive, Grade 5, Chapter 2: Age of Exploration.