Examine the consequences of Portuguese exploration of the west coast of Africa for European states.

The question requires that candidates consider the interrelationship between the Portuguese exploration of the west coast of Africa and its consequences for European states. Candidates may refer to the patronage of Prince Henry the Navigator and the voyages of Bartolomeu Dias and Vasco da Gama as the starting point for the contacts between Europe and Africa. Candidates may examine the impact of the creation of trading centres in Goa and Malaysia that exported new spices to European states, and the contacts with sub-Saharan kingdoms like Ghana, Mali, Benin, Songhai and Kongo that benefited the European states with a flow of gold and slaves. Other relevant consequences that may be considered are the new paths for subsequent explorations by European states opened by the Portuguese, and the facilities the explorations created to fight Muslim rulers. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the interrelationship between the Portuguese exploration of the west coast of Africa and its consequences for European states.