Welcome to distinguished readers, and today I would like to bring you a journey back in time to medieval Europe. In this story, we explore a history of the shortage of gold, silver and precious metals, and how Portugal overcame this challenge through currency reform and expeditions. This history not only influenced the European financial system, but also shaped Portugal's national character and geography.
When reviewing the currency used by European countries in the Middle Ages, we will find that gold and silver were in extreme short supply throughout Europe between 1395 and 1415. The shortage of gold, silver and precious metals during this period caused a number of political and financial consequences. One of the root causes of this is the decline in mine production, especially in Western Europe. At the same time, the Asian trade deficit of European countries has also led to the outflow of gold and silver, making precious metals more scarce.
This state of affairs has far-reaching political and financial implications. Political changes are beginning to change the political landscape in Europe, and competition between countries is intensifying. Portugal is part of this competition, but it is also facing an economic crisis. The Portuguese government has adopted a series of currency reform measures to raise funds and combat currency depreciation. These measures included reducing the fineness of the coins, which increased the number of coins, but also led to the depreciation of the currency. As described by Grayson's Law, bad money drives out good money, a change that has a negative impact on the economy.
Portugal's needs drive the beginning of the adventure. They were eager for more gold, looking for new trading partners, curious about Muslim power, hoping to form alliances with other nations, and also hoping to spread Christianity. During this period of history, an outstanding navigator arose, and he was Prince Enrique.
Prince Enrique is known as a navigator of Portugal, and his motivations are varied. He was eager to gain credit for his expeditions, but he also saw the potential benefits of trade. He was curious about Muslim forces and wanted to learn more about these areas. In addition, Prince Enrique was an active propagator of Christianity and hoped to spread the Christian faith through his expeditions. However, his decisions were not always accepted by all, and some disputed his expeditions. However, Prince Enrique left a glorious mark in history, and he was hailed as a national hero of Portugal, opening up new territories for the country.
Portuguese exploration was not limited to gold, but also included the slave trade. They expanded extensively on the west coast of Africa, establishing trading posts and colonies. These activities brought great wealth to Portugal, but also sparked moral and ethical controversies, as slavery brought serious violations of human rights. This historical phase not only shaped Portugal's international position, but also posed major challenges on a moral level.
In this historical period, Prince Enrique's motives became the focus of discussion. His adventurous spirit and thirst for knowledge are undeniable. His efforts led to the development of geography and navigation, and also contributed to cartography and navigation techniques. Although his expeditions were not always accepted by everyone, his historical place cannot be overlooked.
Portugal's subsequent expansion in the Age of Discoveries is also noteworthy. They continued to search for new trading partners and colonies around the world. These activities changed the world map and also promoted the influence of European civilization on other regions.
Ultimately, let's take a look back at this history. The shortage of gold, silver and precious metals not only changed the European financial system, but also fueled Portuguese exploration. Portugal overcame this challenge through currency reform and demand-driven expeditions to become a leader in the Age of Discovery. Exploration in Portugal was not limited to wealth, but also to the spread of culture, religion and technology. This history teaches us that courage, curiosity, and determination can change the world. It is these qualities that drive human beings to move forward, explore the unknown, and create a new era.