Chapter 4: Section 1 Europeans Explore the East

1. Chapter 4: Section 1 Europeans Explore the East World History Mr. Cimijotti

2. Setting the Stage • The Renaissance encouraged a new spirit of adventure and curiosity. • The Europeans were encouraged to explore the world around them.

3. For God, Glory and Gold • Beginning around 1100, European crusaders battled Muslims for control of the Holy Lands in Southwest Asia. • 1275, Marco Polo reached the court of Kublai Khan in China. • The Europeans desire to grow rich and spread Christianity, coupled with advances in sailing technology, spurred and age of European exploration.

4. Europeans Seek New Trade Routes: • Desire for new sources of wealth. • Through overseas exploration, merchants and traders hoped ultimately to benefit from what had become a profitable business in Europe. • The trade of spices and other luxury goods from Asia. • Introduced from the Crusades. • After the crusades, the Europeans continued to demand these goods. • The Muslims and the Italians controlled the trade of goods from East to West. • Muslims sold Asians goods to Italian merchants, who controlled trade routes of the Mediterranean region. • The Italian merchants resold the items at increased prices to merchants throughout Europe. • By 1400, the other merchants of Europe sought to bypass this arrangement to increase their profits.

5. The Spread of Christianity: • The desire to spread Christianity also motivated Europeans to explore. • The Crusades left the Europeans with a feeling of hostility between Christians and Muslims. • They had a sacred duty to not only to continue fighting the Muslims, but also convert non-Christians. • Europeans also hoped to obtain popular goods directly from Asia. • And to Christianize them. • Bartolomeu Dias-Portuguese explorer.

6. Technology Makes Exploration Possible: • During the 1200’s, it would have been nearly impossible for a European sea captain to cross 3000 miles of ocean and return again. • The ships could not sail against the wind. • 1400, ship builders designed a new vessel, the caravel. • Sturdier then older vessels. • Triangular sails. • Improved their navigation techniques. • The astrolab. • Magnetic compass.

7. Portugal Leads The Way: • Portugal was the first European country to establish trading outposts along the west coast of Africa. • The Portuguese Explores Africa: • Had government support • Prince Henry • Dreams of overseas exploration began in 1415. • Conquered the Muslim city of Cueta in North Africa. • In Cueta: • Found stores filled with: • pepper • Cinnamon • Cloves • Other spices • Large supplies of gold, silver and jewels.

8. Portuguese Sailors Reach Asia • 1488-Dias sailed around the tip of Africa to reach Asia, crew exhausted and no food returned home. • 1497-Vasco da Gama: • 1498-Reached the port of Calicut-Southwestern coast of India • Collected-rare silks • Spices • Precious gems. • 27,000 miles gave Portugal a direct sea route to India.

9. Spain Also Makes Claims • 1492-Christopher Columbus convinced Spain to finance a trip across the Atlantic to Asia. • His mistake led to the colonization of the Americas. • Reached the East Indies. • Increases tension between Spain and Portugal. • Portugal believe Columbus reached Asia. • Expected Columbus to make Spanish claims on Portugal lands. • Pope Alexander Vi stepped in to keep the peace. • Line of Demarcation • Treaty of Tordesillas

10. Trading Empires in the Indian Ocean • Da Gama’s voyage opened direct sea trade for the European powers with Asia. • Portugal • Fort at the Straits of Hormuz. • Stopping Muslim traders from reaching India. • Sailed further east to Indonesia.-East Indies • Seized control of the Strait of Malacca. • Afonso de Albuquerque

11. Other Nations Challenge the Portuguese • 1600 English and Dutch challenge the Portuguese. • Formed the Dutch East India Country. • Dutch Outposts: • 1619-Batavia on the island of Java • Cape of Good Hope-southern tip of Africa • British and French Traders • 1700-gained a foothold in the region. • Outposts in India. • 1664-French enters Asia.