Exploration and Isolation

Treaty of Tordesillas Initiated by Pope Alexander VI; signed in 1494

Interaction with Environment Exploration – Vasco da Gama established direct sea route to Asia, 1498; Portugal took control of spice trade from Muslim merchants; sailed to Indonesia (a.k.a. East Indies); captured city of Malacca in 1511, winning control of strait of Malacca, thereby gaining control of the Moluccas (Spice Islands) [Ch. 19]

Economics Exploration – desire for wealth (the “gold” of the “3 G’s”) was a driving force behind European exploration of the East; Europeans sought control over trade of popular goods (e.g., spices) from Asian countries; European merchants and sailors took to seas in search of these lands [Ch. 19] Trade companies – English and Dutch broke Portugal’s control of Asian region; each nation established an “East India Company” to direct trade throughout Asia; these companies had power to mint money, make treaties, and even raise armies; Dutch Co. was stronger than British, eventually driving them out [Ch. 19]

Religious and Ethical Systems Exploration – another motivator for European exploration was the desire to spread Christianity (“God” of the “3 G’s”); Crusades had created hostilities between Christians and Muslims; Europeans felt a duty to continue fighting for Christianity and convert non-Christians throughout the world [Ch. 19]

Cultural Interaction Exploration – European exploration of Asia resulted in a meeting of different cultures, causing cultural diffusion (e.g., Firearms, Christianity, silk); both China and Japan ultimately chose isolationism [Ch. 19] Isolation – China abandoned exploration in 1433 and severely restricted trade with foreigners in the 1500s; foreigners were required to pay tribute and kowtow, a special bowing ritual before the emperor; Japan outlawed Christianity in 1612 and drove out Christian missionaries; Japan instituted a “closed country” policy and remained isolated from Europe for 200 years [Ch. 19]

Power and Authority Japanese Feudalism – 1467 civil war led to “Warring States” period ( ); powerful samurai seized control of feudal estates; offered peasants and others protection in return for their loyalty; these warriors became daimyo – similar to European lords; Japan eventually unified under Tokugawa Ieyasu, who in 1603 became sole ruler, shogun; began Tokugawa Shogunate (military gov’t), which lasted until 1868 [Ch. 19]

Japan’s Feudalism

Science & Technology Exploration – improvements in navigational technology (e.g., caravel, astrolabe, magnetic compass) in the 1400s facilitated European exploration [Ch. 19]

Science and Tech, cont’d Exploration – besides sailing technology, Europeans developed another valuable aid in the expansion of trade – the shipboard cannon; designers overcame great technical problems to mount them all around ship’s perimeter; European warships defeated Muslim fleets in the Indian Ocean and controlled trade routes from Africa to the East Indies [Ch. 19]

More Science and Tech The sextant incorporated a telescope, mirrors, and an arch of a circle calibrated in degrees; enabled sailors to read angle of elevation above horizon of moon, sun, or another star; with this info, exact time of day, and published tables, ship’s latitude could be determined