Portugal's overseas empire expanded dramatically under Manuel I. He could misread political circumstances, but he repeatedly entrusted major forces to capable commanders. Afonso de Albuquerque was an unusually aggressive subordinate who converted local victories into new tributaries and conquests. This division between an expansionist king and an autonomous commander helps explain how a small kingdom could act far beyond the immediate reach of royal supervision.
Notable Point · 53:52-55:23
Manuel and Albuquerque drove expansion
Royal direction from Portugal is set against Albuquerque's aggressive expansion on the spot.