Portuguese colonial period

The Portuguese colonial period spanned from the 15th to the early 19th centuries, marking Portugal’s exploration and control of territories in Africa, Asia, and South America. Portugal established colonies through exploration, trade, and military conquest, creating a global empire centered on economic interests like spice trade, gold, and resources. Key regions included Brazil, parts of Africa, India (notably Goa), and Southeast Asia. This period shaped local cultures, economies, and political structures, often through the imposition of Portuguese language, religion, and administration, leaving a lasting impact visible today. The empire declined in the 19th century, leading to independence movements and decolonization.