The Portuguese did not arrive with many products of their own to offer Asian consumers {though they did bring some slaves and gold from their West African outposts}. That was not the point. Nor did they come as conquerors, intent on acquiring territory or new subjects for their king. What the Portuguese had was a series of technological advantages that made their bid to establish a new and superior trade network viable.
( Niall Ferguson )
[ The Square and the Tower: ]
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