Name _____________________________ Class _________________ Date __________________
Biography
Exploration and Expansion
Vasco da Gama
c. 1460–1524
Museo de Arte Antiga Lisbon / Dagli
Orti / The Art Archive
WHY HE MADE HISTORY During the
1400s, Portuguese explorers began to sail
the Atlantic Ocean in search of new
opportunities for trade and to spread the
Christian faith. Vasco da Gama became one
of the most important of these early
explorers. Da Gama launched a voyage in
1497 that established a sea route to India.
As you read the biography below, think about the
ways in which Vasco da Gama displayed courage in
his efforts to open a trade route from Portugal
to India.
Vasco da Gama was born around 1460. His father, Estêvão, was a
Portuguese nobleman. Not much is known about da Gama’s early life. At
some point, though, he learned about navigation, mathematics, and
astronomy. Da Gama eventually became a naval officer. In 1492,
Portugal’s King John II ordered da Gama to capture French ships in
Portuguese ports. This was in response to French raids of Portuguese ships.
Da Gama successfully carried out the orders.
Later, King Manuel I of Portugal chose da Gama’s father to lead a
Portuguese expedition to India. He hoped that by sailing around Africa, the
Portuguese could establish trade in India. When Estêvão died before the
journey, Vasco da Gama took charge of the expedition. With four ships
and a crew of 170 men, da Gama sailed from Portugal in 1497.
The expedition sailed around the Cape of Good Hope several months
later. They then continued traveling along the east coast of Africa. After
stopping at several points along the coast, da Gama’s fleet reached India.
They stopped at Calicut, India, a major center of trade. After a difficult
return journey, da Gama reached Portugal in 1499. He brought examples of
the wealth found in India. Upon his return, Manuel I honored da Gama and
gave him large rewards for completing his journey. Portugal quickly
gained wealth by establishing trading centers in India, from which they
could ship goods.
In 1502, da Gama returned to India. This time, he traveled with a larger
fleet of ships. On this mission da Gama hoped to further establish trade for
Portugal. Eventually, as a result of trade, Portugal became one of Europe’s
richest nations. In 1503, da Gama again returned to Portugal. At that time,
Original content Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.
Full Survey Chapter 16
Modern Era Chapter 2
5
Exploration and Expansion
Name _____________________________ Class _________________ Date __________________
Biography
Exploration and Expansion
he retired from exploration. He did make one final journey to India when,
in 1524, he was named viceroy of India by King John III. Soon after
reaching India, however, da Gama died.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
1. Recall What was Vasco da Gama’s first major assignment from the king of
Portugal?
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2. Compare and Contrast How were da Gama’s first and second journeys to India
alike and different?
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ACTIVITY
Use library and online resources to learn more about Vasco da Gama’s first
voyage to India. Use your findings, along with information from the text,
to write a brief newspaper article about his journey. Your article should
answer important questions about your subject, such as who, what, when,
where, why, and how.
Original content Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.
Full Survey Chapter 16
Modern Era Chapter 2
6
Exploration and Expansion