For this assignment, you will conduct a source analysis of an excerpt from A History of Portuguese Overseas Expansion, 1400–1668. You will analyze this source by writing a short response to two
questions.
Background Information
In the early 16th century, Portugal was a small and mostly insignificant kingdom on the western edge of
Europe. By the middle of that century, Portugal possessed a large trading empire that included ports
throughout India, Southeast Asia, and Brazil. Unfortunately for the Portuguese, this period of dominance
was short-lived. Over the course of the 17th century, other European powers managed to push small
Portugal out of the way. But how did this small country quickly become so powerful in the first place? The
reasons for this dramatic rise to power are explained by Malyn Newitt below.
Assignment Instructions
For this project, you are expected to submit Appendix 2.
Step 1: Prepare for the project.
a) Read through the guide before you begin so you know the expectations for this project.
b) If there is anything that is not clear to you, be sure to ask your teacher.
a) Read over the two prompts. Make sure you understand what you are looking for as you read.
Consider writing the two prompts down so that you can make notes on them as you read.
Step 3: Read the excerpt from A History of Portuguese Overseas Expansion, 1400–1668 in
Appendix 1.
a) Make careful notes as you read.
b) Consider underlining and circling important components of the reading.
Step 4: Complete Appendix 2.
a) Answer the two prompts in the appendix.
b) Include a thesis for the second question.
c) Be sure to include specific facts and evidence from the reading to support your arguments
and conclusions.
Step 5: Evaluate your project using this checklist.
If you can check each box below, you are ready to submit your project.
 Have you answered both questions in Appendix 2?
 Have you written at least two paragraphs for each prompt?
 Did you include a thesis in question 2?
 Have you included facts and evidence from the reading to support your answer?
Step 5: Revise and submit your project.
a) If you were unable to check off all of the requirements on the checklist, go back and make
sure that your project is complete. Save your project before submitting it.