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.