GNED 04 MAGELLAN ELCANO EXPEDITION

Objectives of the Study

  • Analyze the historical context and motivations behind Magellan's voyage.

  • Evaluate the impact of Magellan's landing in the Philippines on local cultures and the global landscape.

  • Critique primary sources and historical narratives of the voyage.

Historical Background of Spain and Portugal

  • Conflict began when Christopher Columbus returned from his voyage to Lisbon, after being sponsored by the Crown of Castile.

  • Portugal's Claims: Based on the Treaty of Alcáçovas (1479) and the papal bull Aeterni regis (1481).

Papal Intervention

  • Pope Alexander VI intervened, issuing the bull Intercaetera in 1493.

    • This bull granted all lands west of a specific meridian to Castile.

  • Treaty of Tordesillas (1494): Established a meridian 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands, dividing lands between Spain and Portugal.

    • Spain gained control of most of the Americas.

    • Portugal secured eastern Brazil and Indian trade routes.

Magellan's Expedition

  • Ferdinand Magellan: A Portuguese explorer commissioned by Spain.

    • Sought a new route to the Spice Islands avoiding Portuguese territories.

    • Arrived in the Philippines on March 16, 1521.

Route of the Expedition

  • Timeline:

    • Departed Sanlúcar de Barrameda on Sept 20, 1519; returned on Sept 6, 1522.

    • Key locations: Homonhon, Canary Islands, Cebu, Ladrones Islands, Limasawa, Palawan, Tidore, Brunei, Ambon Island, and Timor.

Arrival and Claims in the Philippines

  • Magellan reached Sugbu (Cebu) and made a blood compact with local chieftain Rajah Humabon.

  • Claimed lands for Spain, naming them Islas de San Lazaro.

  • After the conversion of Humabon, locals requested Magellan to subjugate Lapulapu, chief of Mactan Island.

Lapulapu: The First Filipino Hero

  • Datu Lapulapu resisted Spanish colonization; known by various names, revered as the first national hero.

  • Accounts suggest that he recognized Spanish authority but tension arose with demands from Magellan.

The Conflict with Lapulapu

  • Battle of Mactan: On April 27, 1521, forces led by Magellan confronted Lapulapu.

    • Magellan's forces numbered around 49 Spanish soldiers and local allies.

    • The battle was marked by surprise attacks from Lapulapu's warriors.

Outcome of the Battle

  • Despite brave fighting, Magellan's forces were vastly outnumbered.

    • Reports indicate Magellan was killed after sustaining multiple wounds.

    • Antonio Pigafetta's accounts detail the chaos and bravery displayed during the battle.

Casualties

  • Casualty estimates: 8 crew members killed, including Magellan; casualties from local forces as well.

Controversies of the Battle

  • Local records suggest Magellan was killed by a Boholano, Sampong Baha, but honor was attributed to Lapulapu.

  • This narrative has been shaped by Americanized educational perspectives that often overlook local accounts.

Romanticizing the Hero

  • The concept of heroism can lead to dangerous romanticizations.

    • Common characteristics of heroes include:

      1. Human flaws

      2. Growth and learning

      3. Risk-taking

      4. Overcoming obstacles

      5. Making sacrifices

Aims of Colonialism

  • Motivations for colonization summarized as God, Gold, and Glory.

Conclusion on Lessons Learned

  • The past provides lessons that can be applied to the future.