1. 19.1-Europeans Explore the East

2. Background/Introduction
Renaissance brings forth new era of learning, adventure, and curiosity
Europeans had done some exploring (ie Kublai Khan in China, battling Muslims for control of Holy Land)
Before 1400s-not enough resources to explore

3. New Trade Routes
Main reason for European exploration was the desire for more wealth
Demand for spices (nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon) very high- profit from selling these goods
Muslims sold Asian goods to Italians merchants who resold to other Europeans
Other Europeans did not like this setup-sought to bypass Italian merchants

5. Spread of Christianity
Big motivation for Europeans to explore
Crusades gave Europeans sense of hostility towards Muslims
Felt duty to convert non- Christians to Christianity
Bartolomeo Dias-Portuguese explorer-serve God and give light to those in darkness

6. Increase in Technology
“God, glory, and gold”-main reasons for exploration
Technology made this possible
Originally, ships could only go short-distance(could not sail against wind)
Development of caravel-could sail against wind
Development of astrolabe-could determine latitude (distance north or south from equator)
Also could track direction with use of magnetic compass

8. Portuguese Explore Africa
Leader in developing and applying these sailing techniques were the Portuguese
Strong government support from Prince Henry/Henry the Navigator
Conquered Muslim city of Ceuta in North Africa in 1415
In Ceuta, explorers found huge amounts of spices, gold, silver and jewels
Henry continued African exploration- made navigation school
By death in 1460 several Portuguese trading posts throughout Africa
Traded with Africans for spices and luxury items-later captives for slaves

9. Portuguese Reach Asia Dias ventured down the tip of Southern Africa
Explored SE Africa-wanted to go to India-crew exhausted and supplies low-went home
Continued pushing East, Vasco de Gama (1498) reached Calicut in India
Took with them spices, gems, etc.-cargo was worth 60x the cost of the voyage
De Gama’s voyage gave Portugal direct access to Asia through sea

11. Columbus’s Mistake
Spain became envious of Portuguese- wanted direct route to Asia
Christopher Columbus convinced Spain to sail West across Atlantic to reach Asia
Ended up in Caribbean-mistook it for India
Opened up Americas for colonization
Portuguese thought Columbus has reached India-got concerned
Treaty of Tordesillas-imaginary line with land west being Spain’s and land East going to Portugal

15. Portugal's Trading Empire
Portugal built huge trading empire throughout Indian Ocean
Took control of spice trade from Muslim merchants
Established fort Hormuz connecting Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea- stopped Muslim traders from reaching India
Captured Goa and made it capital
Took control of Malacca-got control of Moluccas (Spice Islands)
Portugal brought back items from Asia for 1/5 price of Muslims and Italians-more people could afford

16. Other Nations Challenge Portugal
English and Dutch began to challenge Portuguese dominance
Netherlands-small country in Dutch Republic-declared independence from Spain
Became leading sea power-fleet of 20,000 vessels in 1600 (biggest in world)
Both England and Dutch formed East India Company to establish and direct trade throughout Europe
Minted money, make treaties, and raise armies
Dutch East India more dominant-drove out English of Asia

17. Dutch Trade Outposts
Dutch establish trading headquarters at island of Java
Expanded west to conquer other islands
Seized port of Malacca and Spice Islands from Portuguese
Amsterdam (capital) became very rich commercial center
By 1700, Dutch controlled Cape of Good Hope and trading posts throughout Asia

19. British and French Traders
English East India focused on establishing outposts in India
France entered trading with own East India company-only one outpost in India-not much profit
Although able to share in profitable Indian/Asian trade, impact rarely went beyond the ports