"As soon as the news of the Cabot voyages reached the King of Portugal he arranged to send an expedition of discovery to the far north-west, perhaps to find a northern sea route to Eastern Asia"

In this passage, Harry Johnston reflects on the geopolitical dynamics of the Age of Exploration, concentrating on the competitive nature of European maritime nations like Portugal and England. The quote refers to the immediate response of the Portuguese monarchy upon discovering the Cabot voyages. The Cabot voyages, primarily connected with John Cabot, were undertaken in the late 15th century under the commission of England, aiming to discover new paths and territories throughout the Atlantic Ocean.

The phrase "As soon as the news of the Cabot trips reached the King of Portugal" highlights the rapid dissemination of info and the tactical significance that expedition held for European monarchs. News of effective voyages, discoveries, and even the possibility of brand-new trade paths was of tremendous interest to powers like Portugal, who were greatly bought maritime exploration. At the time, Portugal was a leading force in navigation and expedition, with figures like Prince Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama playing critical functions in mapping and developing sea paths to Asia and Africa.

The subsequent reaction of "set up to send an exploration of discovery to the far north-west" reflects the urgency and competitive spirit stimulated by Cabot's ventures. It recommends that Portugal aspired not only to match the exploratory achievements of England however likewise to exceed them by potentially finding new paths or areas. By thinking about a "northern sea route to Eastern Asia," Portugal was checking out alternative pathways to the lucrative trade markets of Asia, bypassing overland routes dominated by other European or Middle-Eastern powers.

The quote underscores the extreme competition during the Age of Exploration, where knowledge of effective journeys triggered immediate strategic decisions, aiming at economic advantage and territorial expansion. Such ventures considerably affected geopolitical limits, global trade, and cultural exchanges, forming the contemporary world in profound methods. This shows how exploration was not merely a pursuit of knowledge, but an important element of statecraft and economic strategy during this transformative period in history.