EUROPEAN EXPANSION AND CONQUEST notes
European Expansion and Conquest in the 15th and 16th Centuries
Background and Focus
European expansion and conquest began in the 15th century.
Consequences for Europeans and dire consequences for Indigenous people.
Voyages of discovery increased European influence and domination.
The slave trade arose as a consequence of colonization, and colonialism was a product of slavery.
Processes of Colonization
Exploration focused on early colonization processes and their consequences on colonized societies.
Raised ideas of racial superiority and altered the balance of power globally.
Factors Enabling European Expansion
Navigational Developments
Major advances in navigational abilities encouraged expansion.
Political, economic, and religious motives combined to fund sea voyages, primarily by Spain and Portugal.
These voyages fostered global connections and led to significant conquests.
Changes in Trade Dynamics
Previously isolated regions gained access to global trade routes.
European expansion profoundly affected world politics, society, and economies.
The Spice Trade
Role of the Spice Trade
Spice trade: significant commercial activity that started in ancient times
Dominated by Muslim traders during the Middle Ages; changed by the European Age of Discovery.
Sprouted economic motivation for European traders seeking spices during voyages, like those led by Vasco da Gama in 1498.
Economic Reasons Behind Expansion
Shift in Economic Power
Shift from Mediterranean to Atlantic influenced leadership by Portugal, Spain, France, England, and later the Dutch.
Monarchies grew stronger and influenced expansionist policies.
Profit Motivation
The accumulation of wealth was the main goal of expeditions; reliance on trade for luxuries and goods.
Goods from Asia accustomed to traditional land routes became vital, impacting European economies.
Control of Trade Routes
European nations sought alternative routes to reduce dependence on Ottoman-controlled trade.
Attempts to bypass this stranglehold became a central focus of maritime expansion.
Technological Advances
Shipbuilding Innovations
Improvements in ship design during the 15th and 16th centuries: larger ships capable of long voyages.
Cannons mounted on ships gave naval supremacy to European states.
Navigational Equipment
Innovations like the compass, astrolabe, and quadrant made long-distance sea travel possible despite previous dangers.
Political and Social Dynamics
Strong, motivated leadership and capital were necessary for sea expeditions.
Areas politically unstable due to wars—Central Europe and divided Italy—did not become colonial powers.
Western European states had centralized governments, strong commercial sectors, and ambitious merchant classes.
Motivation for Expansion
Seizing global economic and political control was not limited to Western Europe; other powers like Ming China and the Ottoman Empire had capabilities but were less motivated.
Raw Materials and Colonial Exploitation
Direct control and unregulated access to vital raw materials like gold and silver were primary motivations for expeditions.
Land captured in the Americas later turned to agriculture, growing lucrative crops enhancing wealth.
Religious Influence
Aim to spread Christianity spurred along by the Crusades and later the Protestant Reformation.
The spread of religion was a fundamental motive behind voyages; Vasco da Gama emphasized this during his expeditions.
Spain and Portugal’s Motivations
The first European powers to expand overseas were Spain and Portugal with centralized governments, dynamic commercial sectors, and maritime expertise.
Their maritime culture and technology underpinned their leading roles during the Iberian Phase of expansion (mid-1400s to 1600s).
Slavery and Colonization Link
European powers introduced slavery in Africa, moving from earlier Sahara routes to ocean shipments.
Cape Verde became an essential harbor in the new slave trade, with trading stations established in Guinea.
The Triangular Trade
A trade system connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas: manufactured goods to Africa, slaves to the Americas, and raw materials back to Europe.
Enslaved Africans became vital for plantations responding to labor shortages.
Impact of Portuguese Trade in Indian Ocean
The Portuguese drove the Indian Ocean trade by exploiting regions for resources and establishing tax systems.
They engaged with indigenous societies using military might and control of trade routes.
Dutch Influence in the 17th Century
The formation of the Dutch East India Company (DEIC) marked a shift in global trade.
DEIC controlled trade routes effectively, leading to tense relations with Portugal.
Colonial Life at the Cape
The Dutch established settlements at the Cape for resupply. Conflict with Khoisan tribes over resources ensued, leading to significant societal impacts for indigenous populations.
Slavery became entrenched at the Cape, with economic dependencies shifting labor dynamics.
Conclusion
The 15th century initiated significant European expansion driven by a mix of economic, political, technological, and religious motivations.
Resulting colonization profoundly affected indigenous societies, contributing to shifts in political power, social dynamics, and economic practices globally.