__Table of Contents:__

I. Who was Vasco de Gama? Why is he important?

II. How did de Gama pull of this impossible journey?

III. Why was his discovery important to Portugese society and the rest of Europe?

IV. What became of de Gama after his exploring years?

V. When are some important dates in de Gama's history?

VI. Where did de Gama travel besides India?

Who is Vasco de Gama? Why is he important to the Spanish Colonies?

Vasco de Gama, a Portugese explorer and a member of the Portugese Navy, was commisioned by King Manuel of Portugal, in 1497, to search for a route to the wealth of the Indies. Using previous information gathered by Christopher Columbus, and sailing around the Cape of Good Hope, discovered by Bartholomue Diaz, Vasco de Gama was the first person to establish a successful sailing route from Europe to the Middle East. This route made precious spices available to Portugal and athe rest of Europe at a much cheaper cost, and is still used today.

How was de Gama's success in his voyage made possible?

Vasco de Gama’s voyage around the Cape of Good Hope was made possible through the funding of King Manuel of Portugal. Portugal aimed to send a fleet out to explore the possibility of sea route to the riches of India. Four ships left Portugal in July of 1497: the Sao Gabriel, Sao Rafael, Berrio, and a ship for the storage of food and other goods. The explorers stopped in Mozambique before continuing on their journey north.

How did de Gama's discovery impact Portugese society?

Vasco de Gama's travels around the Cape of Good Hope and onto India transformed Lisbon into the trading capital of Europe. The entire Portugese Empire profitted from the increased industry within and travel to their capital city, and established the Portugese Monarchy as a legitimate and powerful hierarchy. de Gama's pioneering voyage also handed Portugul the pink slips to trading ports in East Africa, Southeast India, and Indonesia.

What did de Gama do with the rest of his life?

After Vasco de Gama's return, he was ordered on anoter voyage to India. This voyage was substantially larger than the last one, as he sailed in a fleet of 20 ships. Once back in Portugal after his second voyage returned in 1503, de Gama got married and raised a family. There is speculation that at one point he served as an advisor to the Portugese king. In 1519, Vasco de Gama was made a count because of his expeditions and courageousness in the name of Portugal.

When are some important dates in de Gama's history?

1460-Vasco de Gama was born about at Sines, Portugal.

1497-Manuel placed Vasco da Gama in charge of four vessels built especially for an expedition to India.

July 8, 1497- de Gama sets sail.

November, 1497- de Gama rounds the Cape of Good Hope.

May 20, 1498- de Gama reaches Calicut, India.

October 5, 1498, de Gama began his homeward voyage.

July 10, 1499, de Gama safely reaches Portugul.

1502- de Gama is sent back to India for a spide raid in Calicut. The raid is successful. de Gama is awarded for his efforts.

1524- He was sent back to India by the Crown, under João III.

December 24, 1524- de Gama dies in Cochin, India.

Where else did de Gama travel?

He sailed around the Cape of Good Hope, passed the point reached by Bartolomeu Dias, another European explorer, in 1488, and continued up the East coast of Africa to Malindi. After debarking in Malindi, on the coast of what is now Kenya, he managed to convince a pilot to join the crew and guide him eastward. With the aid of Arab navigator Ahmed ibn Majid, de Gama sailed across the Arabian Sea.

Source Information:

Obstat, K.(2003). Vasco de Gama. Retrieved August 28, 2006, from The

Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume VI Web site: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06374a.htm

Thatcher, Oliver J. Modern History Sourcebook: Vasco de Gama:

Round Africa to India. Retrieved August 30, 2006, from

Internet Modern History Sourcebook Web site: http://www.fordham.edu/

halsall/mod/1497degama.html

Vasco da Gama. Retrieved August 28, 2006, from Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2006 website: http://encarta.msn.com.html

Vasco da Gama . Retrieved August 31, 2006, from BBC Web site:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/gama_vasco_da.shtml