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Society and Power
Expansionism created new areas of sovereignty and trade.
Years: 1415 — 1521
The nation of the Discoveries was still organized according to Medieval orders. However, large sectors of its population were greatly affected by the new expansionism. With the inauguration of new routes and the creation of new areas of sovereignty and trade, the ruling aristocracy became mercantile and joined the king and the merchants – national and foreign – in overseas business.
The beginning of the Discoveries was marked by the noble figure of Prince Henry. It was not until Dom João II ascended the throne in 1481 that the crown came to adopt a wider perspective with respect to expansionism. King Manuel I continued the policy of his predecessor, thus defining the outline of an imperial project.
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