Vasco da Gama: Portuguese Navigator
The explorations and accomplishments of Vasco da Gama changed Portugal from a poor nation to one of the world's greatest powers. His persona and exploits distinguished him as an influential pioneer who helped shape Portugal as a nation for the next 100 years. Vasco da Gama was born sometime in the 1460s near the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. Born into a wealthy and respected family of high-ranking soldiers, Gama also trained to be a soldier, although he was more interested in boats and navigation. When Gama was appointed to man an African slave boat on a small mission, he showed his skills as a navigator and was eventually promoted to captain. Over time, Gama became known as a talented navigator. Gama set out on his most important journey on July 8, 1497, sailing around the Cape of Good Hope to find a sea route to India. Portugal was hoping to establish direct trade with India to avoid the high tariffs charged by Arabs, who controlled trade throughout the Mediterranean at the time. The lucrative spice trade would increase Portugal's wealth immeasurably. Gama consulted Bartolomeu Dias, the only man to sail around the Cape, about potential dangers and the most efficient way of circling the Cape. Dias advised him to go
in a large arc to avoid coastal tides and fierce storms. Gama not only influenced Portugal, but also Africa. He's never lost a ship in all his years at sea, or known a mutiny either. Helena's Bay, about 100 miles away from the Cape of Good Hope. The small country was transformed by Gama's treaty with India that allowed direct trade. " These quotes explain how well respected Gama was. Some members of his crew before the voyage were quoted, "Not a man [Gama] to rouse to anger, I've heard stories about what he's like in a temper. The name is still used today as part of the country of South Africa. He'll give justice to those who obey his orders, whatever he might do to the others (Syme 28-32). Here the local sultan provided Gama with fresh water, fruits and vegetables and a much-needed navigator for the treacherous trip across the Indian Ocean. One such example is the area of coastal land east of the Cape of Good Hope known as "Natal". The voyage to the Cape was long, but Gama's leadership skills prevented mutiny and kept the crew in high spirits. Gama was at sea for over three months without seeing land, the longest period ever experienced by a crew, and was not threatened by mutiny.
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