Did people make use of the trade route Magellan had discovered?
The western sea route to the Spice Islands was not used for many years. Spain was too busy taking land in South America, and it was easier for the Portuguese to get to the East by sailing eastwards around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa. Who led the next voyage round the world? Tales about the terrible conditions endured by Magellan’s men ensured that for more than fifty years no other sailors attempted a circumnavigation. However, in 1577 Francis Drake left England to rob Spanish treasure ships on their way home from South America. He was also hoping to find a northern short cut to the East. After stealing much gold and silver, he decided not to return the way he had come in case Spanish ships were waiting to attack him. Instead, he decided to set sail across the Pacific to the Spice Islands then back to England by rounding Africa. When he reached London in 1580, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I for his exploit. He had brought back spices and treasure worth a f
