“Religion was the most important motive for the Portuguese voyages of discovery.” Discuss.

Candidates are required to offer a considered and balanced review of the importance of religion as a stimulus for the Portuguese voyages of discovery. Candidates may focus on a range of voyages individually, or they may refer to several voyages collectively. There must be an assessment of a range of other factors. In agreeing with the statement, there may be some discussion of the perceived threat from Islam and the desire to find Christian allies in Africa and Asia to help combat the challenge. It may also be suggested that the crusading ideal was still present. Individuals such as Henry the Navigator were important in encouraging voyages but it may be argued that as a convinced Christian he had a religious motivation. A key motive may arguably have been the search for resources such as gold (Portugal had limited resources), but also to increase Portugal’s stature as a European power.