Shipping and empire building: crown versus individuals in Portuguese overseas expansion, c.1500-1700: a mixed model of seaport development

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Polónia, Amélia (Author) FLUP; Oliveira, Liliana (Author) Other

Journal

Title: International Journal of Maritime History

Vol. 32 No. 1

Pages: 134-148

ISSN: 0843-8714

Publisher: SAGE

Indexing

ISI Web of Science

Scopus

Clarivate Analytics

Google Scholar

EBSCO

Other information

DOI: 10.1177/0843871419886801

Abstract (EN): Crown policies and private enterprise combined to increase efficiency levels in Portuguese overseas expansion. Within this framework, this paper will emphasize three themes. Firstly, the dependence of the Portuguese empire on shipping efficiency; while the debate largely focuses on shipbuilding and seafarers, we show how crown policies and individual enterprises adapted to the evolving requirements of an empire based on sea power. Secondly, we demonstrate how informal and self-organized mechanisms at times contributed to, and sometimes blocked, state-oriented policies. Thirdly, we gauge the extent to which local inputs, such as raw materials, labour and techniques, contributed to efficiency levels within a universe that became multi-continental.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific