Which Portuguese prince founded a school of navigation in 1419 to promote exploration and Christian expansion?

Which Portuguese prince founded a school of navigation in 1419 to promote exploration and Christian expansion?

• A. King John II
• B. Prince Henry the Navigator
• C. Queen Isabella I
• D. King Manuel I

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is understanding who promoted early Atlantic exploration and how that sponsorship connected to expanding Christian influence. Prince Henry the Navigator, a Portuguese prince, founded a school of navigation around 1419 at Sagres. This wasn’t about ruling a distant land; it was about organizing and funding learning and voyages. He brought together navigators, cartographers, shipbuilders, and scholars to improve travel along the African coast, develop better ships like caravels, and refine navigation techniques. Through this work, Portugal began systematic exploration of the Atlantic, seeking new trade routes and opportunities for converting peoples to Christianity as part of their broader expansion. Other rulers mentioned played important roles in later periods or in different regions, but they aren’t the ones associated with establishing this early navigation school in 1419.

The main idea here is understanding who promoted early Atlantic exploration and how that sponsorship connected to expanding Christian influence. Prince Henry the Navigator, a Portuguese prince, founded a school of navigation around 1419 at Sagres. This wasn’t about ruling a distant land; it was about organizing and funding learning and voyages. He brought together navigators, cartographers, shipbuilders, and scholars to improve travel along the African coast, develop better ships like caravels, and refine navigation techniques. Through this work, Portugal began systematic exploration of the Atlantic, seeking new trade routes and opportunities for converting peoples to Christianity as part of their broader expansion.

Other rulers mentioned played important roles in later periods or in different regions, but they aren’t the ones associated with establishing this early navigation school in 1419.