Colonialism: Colonialism refers to the policy or practice of acquiring control over other territories, often for economic exploitation. During their maritime dominance, Portugal established colonies in Africa, Asia, and South America for trade purposes.
Caravel: A caravel is a type of small and highly maneuverable sailing ship that was developed by the Portuguese during their maritime expansion. Caravels played a crucial role in facilitating long-distance voyages for trade.
Mercantilism: Mercantilism is an economic theory prevalent during this era that emphasized accumulating wealth through maximizing exports while minimizing imports. The Portuguese adopted mercantilist policies to enhance their trade dominance.