(LBE) Asian Transitions Lesson

Asians Transitions Lesson

While the Europeans introduced the western hemisphere to the world trade network, many of the Old World interactions continued in the east from 1450 to 1750, albeit with some significant adaptations. The Indian Ocean trade network, with its focal points in the East African coast, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Far East, was as vital as ever during this period. Like the Americans, the one significant adjustment that people in this sphere had to make was to the arrival of a strong European presence throughout the Indian Ocean and Far East. However, because these people had had continuous contact with the Europeans since classical times, the interaction was not nearly as traumatic as it was for the Native Americans. How and why the Europeans became involved in the Indian Ocean network, and how the native people of these regions responded changed the course of history for these regions.

 

The Indian Ocean Trade Network and Turmoil in China

• The Asian trade network usually operated without military force prior to the arrival of the Europeans. The Portuguese were the first to use force to gain access to a trading system where they otherwise would have been largely ignored.
• Malacca and Ormuz served as key ports because of their locations along trade routes. Europeans moved quickly to seize control of these and other Asian ports.
• European missionaries quickly followed traders and warships into Asia to try to convert Asian populations to Christianity. These missionaries were not as successful as their counterparts in the western hemisphere.
• The Ming dynasty in China became a focal point for European traders and missionaries. Europeans heavily sought Chinese goods, but the Chinese would accept only silver. They believed that European goods were inferior. This drain of European silver would continue into the nineteenth century and encourage the Europeans to hunt for new silver sources in the western hemisphere.
• The Ming dynasty had the wealth and technology to send out naval expeditions of its own and did so from 1405-1423. These expeditions were led by the eunuch Zhenghe and ranged at least to the eastern coast of Africa. They completely outmatched anything the Europeans were capable of sending out. The ships were 400 feet long, as compared to Vasco da Gama's ships of 60 feet. After the emperor's death, the Ming decided to change its policy and forbid any more expeditions. Zhenghe was banished from the Ming court. This represents a major turning point in world history, as the Chinese had the opportunity to seize control of the seas. When they retreated, this opened the way for the Europeans later in the fifteenth century.

 

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