MTTC Social Studies 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The impact of Spanish and Portuguese traders on the international trade market was significant, particularly in terms of breaking the existing monopoly held by Italian and Arab traders. Before their dominance, trade in Europe and the East was largely controlled by these groups, which limited access to various commodities and competitive pricing. Spanish and Portuguese explorers and traders opened new maritime routes to the Americas, Africa, and Asia, facilitating the exchange of goods such as spices, gold, sugar, and silver. This expansion allowed for the direct trade of these resources, effectively diminishing the influence and control that Italian and Arab traders previously possessed.

By creating new pathways for trade, Spanish and Portuguese traders contributed to the rise of a global trading network that challenged prior market dynamics, leading to changes in economic power and the development of new trade practices. This transformation of the trade landscape set the stage for further exploration and colonization, greatly influencing the economic history of Europe and the broader world.