Which country provided leadership to Europe in geographical research?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Portugal

Explanation:
• Portugal provided significant leadership to Europe in geographical research during the Age of Exploration (15th and 16th centuries).
• Portuguese explorers such as Prince Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan were pioneers in mapping uncharted territories and establishing sea routes to India, Africa, and the New World.
• The country was at the forefront of global exploration, contributing to the discovery of new lands and the development of navigation and cartography techniques.
• Portugal’s voyages helped to expand European knowledge of the world's geography and paved the way for further European exploration.

Information Booster:
• Prince Henry the Navigator was a major figure in Portuguese exploration, establishing a school of navigation that advanced maritime research.
• Portugal's leadership in geographical research was instrumental in shaping the global trading routes and European influence on overseas territories.

Additional Knowledge:
England (Option a)
• England also played a significant role in geographical research and exploration, especially during the British Empire. However, Portugal led the initial phase of exploration in Europe during the 15th century.

France (Option b)
• France contributed to exploration, particularly in the Americas, but Portugal was more influential in the early stages of geographical research.

Spain (Option c)
• Spain, alongside Portugal, was a key player during the Age of Exploration, with figures like Christopher Columbus. However, Portugal was the leader in earlier geographical and maritime research.