Praxis 5941 Practice Test Practice Question
Scenario/Extract:
"The trade in the market of Lisbon is a very considerable one because of the connection Lisbon has with all the other European markets and with the New World. The volume of the commercial exchanges is enormous, and the traders are very wealthy; they make huge amounts of money, lost by the Venetians, merely with the spices and drugs that are brought to Lisbon since the trade of Syria and Alexandria through the Red Sea expired around 1504." Report of two Venetian ambassadors accompanying King Philip II of Spain to Lisbon, Portugal, circa 1581-83
Which of the following most directly led to the changed status of Lisbon in the spice trade as described by the ambassadors?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: C is the most relevant option, as Vasco da Gama's discovery of a sea route to India in 1498 directly opened up new trade opportunities for Lisbon, allowing it to become a significant hub in the spice trade. This maritime route bypassed traditional land routes controlled by intermediaries, enhancing Lisbon's status.
A, while significant in reshaping trade routes, primarily affected land-based trade and the balance of power in the region rather than directly impacting Lisbon's spice trade. B, Columbus's discovery, shifted focus to the Americas but did not enhance Lisbon’s role in the existing spice trade. D, Marco Polo's journey, provided valuable information about Asia but occurred much earlier and did not influence Lisbon's immediate status in the spice trade.
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