Which of the following best explains why the Portuguese dominated the Indian Ocean sea lanes in the early sixteenth century?
A) The Portuguese developed the joint stock company, which allowed them to invest more freely.
B) The Portuguese used their superior navigational abilities to travel outside the sight of land.
C) The Portuguese mounted small cannons on their vessels to bombard ports and rival ships.
D) The Portuguese negotiated an exclusive trade relationship with the Ming for porcelain.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Portuguese dominated the Indian Ocean sea lanes in the early sixteenth century primarily because they mounted small cannons on their vessels, which allowed them to effectively bombard ports and rival ships, giving them a significant military advantage over other maritime powers in the region.

Which of the Following Best Explains Why the Portuguese Dominated