Roots of Exploration Around the World

Roots of Exploration Around the World

Why explore?

• The eastern hemisphere was recovering from demographic collapse (the plague) and started to restore order to their societies (political centralization, economic stability, cultural improvements)–Really all of Chapter 14 stuff!

• Wanted to revive networks of long distance trade–Led by Western Europe and China

The Ming• After getting rid of

the Mongols they still wanted to be part of the global economy– Set up ports where

foreigners could trade• Guangzhou

– Also put money into the navy (originally built by the Song)

Ming Treasure Voyages• For 30 years the Ming

sponsored 7 naval expeditions to establish a Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean basin.– Impose imperial control

over foreign trade with China

– Impress foreign people – Extend the tributary

system (maybe)

• 1405-1433– Led by a Muslim (but still

Chinese) eunuch named Zheng He

– Had a TON of ships (317)/troops(over 28,000) at his disposal

– Gave and received gifts to local leaders• Tried to use diplomacy but

used force when necessary (pirates, unresponsive local leaders)

– Successful in est. a Chinese presence in the I.O.B.

End of the Treasure Voyages

• Stop in the mid 1430’s1. Confucian ministers argue that the

$ spent would be better used on agriculture

2. 1420’s and 1430’s the Mongols were causing trouble again in the northwest so land forces needed more money.

The Portuguese• Exploration begins with

Portugal because:1. Had a history of fishing in

the Atlantic– Reason they are early

leaders in finding a sea route to Asia

2. Henry the Navigator• Wanted to spread

Christianity and Portuguese influence

• Put LOTS of resources into exploration and technological developments

• Started in West Africa and moved into the Indian Ocean–Would dominate

that trade for most of the 1500’s–Kicks off European

imperialism in Asia

Oceania• Over several thousand years, Polynesians spread

thousands of miles with relatively primitive technology– Planned expansion – not just luck!– Used catamaran-like canoes with sails

• Other Polynesians head west & eventually colonized Madagascar

Other European Sea Powers• The English–Really take off in the 17th century • Obviously North America but also the

Pacific(check out chapter 17 for more info!)

King of the Seas Debate• Props are encouraged (might result in points before

the debate begins).• Codega will score the debate. Every valid point is

worth 1 mark (positive for you or negative for other place). For every point that is countered an additional mark will be awarded. At the end, Codega will tally the marks and name a victorious group. This team will receive:– Their lowest quiz grade will turn to a 100– 10 bonus points to be used on a future quiz

• Any profanity/excessive complaining will result in an AUTOMATIC 0 and lunch detention until X-Mas!