The captured control of the african gold trade by 1500 from north african muslims.

portuguese.

Explanation:

In the 15th century, Portuguese pioneers considered they had enough knowledge, experience, and national determination to attempt the development of oceanic trade routes with Africa and Asia.

Their ultimate intentions were in Asia, yet they understood that to be able to reach Asia, the circumnavigation of Africa was required.

They wanted to establish contact with Mali and to redirect the trans-Saharan gold trade from the Muslims from North Africa.

the mongolian invasion of china and central asia resulted in a disruption of the silk road as the chinese garrisons lost support from the chinese kingdoms which fell under the mongols. however, as the mongols established a formal dynasty in china, the successors of genghis khan restored the garrisons along the silk road allowing the safe travel caravans again.

the completion of the erie canal spurred the first great westward movement of american settlers, gave access to the rich land and resources west of the appalachians and made new york the preeminent commercial city in the united states.