Southernization Review

  1. What is Shaffer's argument? 

 

  • Shaffer argues that Southernization, characterized by the cultural and economic influence of South and Southeast Asia, set the stage for Westernization. This phenomenon enriched the Eastern Hemisphere while comparatively impoverishing the Northern Hemisphere. 

 

  1. What specific historical evidence would you give to support her argument? 

 

Ideas: 

  • Buddhism, Islam. 

Agriculture: 

  • Cotton, Rice, Spice, Sugar. 

Mineral: 

  • Gold and Silver. 

Manufactured Goods: 

  • Painting, coins, silk. 

Inventions: 

  • Math, Gunpowder, Compass, Numbers, Lug Sail. 

 

Other: 

  • Created Eastern hemisphere with a rich south and a poor north. 

  • Laid foundation for westernization. 

 

  1. How did Southernization impact China? 

 

Contributions: 

  • Introduction of the compass facilitated direct trade routes to spice markets in Java and the Spice Islands. 

  • Adoption of Champa Rice, a drought-resistant variety, bolstered agricultural productivity. 

  • Incorporation of silk, gunpowder, block-printing, and porcelain into Chinese culture and economy. 

Effects: 

  • Adoption of Indian mathematical concepts, advancing mathematical knowledge. 

  • Establishment of cotton and indigo cultivation. 

  • Participation in spice trade. 

 

  1. How did Southernization impact the Middle East? 

 

Contributions: 

  • Spread of vital crops and trade routes, including across the Sahara. 

  • Importation of slaves from East Africa. 

  • Over-mining of silver, leading to a decline in its value. 

 

Effects: 

  • Continuation of Indian mathematical traditions. 

  • Adoption of Indian crops like sugar and cotton, facilitating year-round farming. 

  • Spread of these crops to neighboring regions. 

  • Utilization of the Chinese compass in search of desired resources like gold. 

 

  1. How did Southernization impact the Mediterranean and Europe? 

 

  • Introduction of cotton and sugar, leading Mediterranean islands to become significant exporters. 

  • Portugal's maritime success, facilitated by technologies like the compass, lateen sails, and Arabic tables. 

  • European colonization of Southern and Southeast Asia, gaining access to crucial resources such as sugarcane and cotton, as well as highly profitable spices. 

 

  1. How did the expansion of empires, such as the Mongols or the Islamic Caliphates, impact Southernization and the development of commerce in places like China and the Mediterranean? 

 

  • In China, Tang and Song dynasties saw economic prosperity and technological advancements due to Southern Asian influences. 

  • Islamic Caliphates spread Southernization to the Middle East and North Africa, introducing crops like sugar and cotton and advancing mathematics. 

 

  1. How might the increase in commerce as a result of Southernization impact the process of urbanization? 

 

  • An increase in income inside of a country can allow the country to work it's infrastructure, which in this case would be increasing housing to allow more people into the country for growth. 

 

  1. How did Southernization impact agriculture in places like the Middle East? 

 

  • Southernization introduced new crops like sugarcane and cotton to the Middle East, boosting agricultural innovation and economic growth.  

  • Arabs adopted efficient irrigation methods to cultivate these crops, establishing sugar-producing areas in previously arid lands.  

  • Cotton also became a major crop, fueling local industries and trade networks.