Western historians customarily regard this as the crucial point in opening the trade routes to the East.

Question

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The voyages of Vasco de Gama were crucial in establishing trade routes to the East because he was the first European to reach India by sea, thus bypassing the overland routes that were controlled by the Ottomans. This opened up the direct sea route to India for trade, and made Portugal a major player in the global economy.

Western Historians Customarily Regard This as the Crucial Point in Opening