CHAPTER 4: SECTION 1 EUROPEANS EXPLORE THE EAST World History Mr. Cimijotti

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

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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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 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.

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.

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

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

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.