Indian Ocean Ocean, ultimately reaching the coastal countries of East Africa. In 1497 Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama rounded the Cape of Good Hope and became the first European to sail to India (with the help of an Indian sailor) and later the Far East. The European ships, armed with heavy cannon, quickly dominated trade. Portugal achieved pre-eminence by setting up forts at the important straits and ports. Their hegemony along the coasts of Africa and Asia lasted until the mid 17th century. Later, the Portuguese were challenged by other European powers. The Dutch East India Company (1602–1798) sought control of trade
Secret Convention on the Transfer of the Portuguese monarchy to Brazil the Portuguese borders through Spanish territory. Later, the Portuguese aspirations became reality with the support of the British navy during the transfer of the Portuguese court to Brazil, and Portugal complied to the British requirements by opening the Brazilian ports to their goods. Secret Convention on the Transfer of the Portuguese monarchy to Brazil The Secret Convention on the Transfer of the Portuguese monarchy to Brazil was an international treaty between Portugal and Britain on October 22, 1807, also called "secret Convention on the transfer to Brazil of the seat of the Portuguese monarchy and temporary occupation of Madeira Island