Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Zheng He - 15th Century Mariners: Crash Course World History #21

Summary

In this Crash Course World History episode, John Green compares the maritime achievements of 15th-century explorers: Christopher Columbus, Zheng He, and Vasco da Gama. While Columbus is often credited with 'discovering' America, Green argues that Zheng He's massive fleets and da Gama's strategic trading posts had more significant impacts. The episode challenges myths about Columbus, discusses the motives behind European exploration, and reflects on the lasting effects of these voyages on world history.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Christopher Columbus is a famous historical figure, but his reputation is complex and not universally positive.
• 🚢 Zheng He was a Muslim eunuch who led massive fleets on voyages throughout the Indian Ocean, showcasing China's naval power and trade dominance.
• 🐘 Zheng He's expeditions were not for exploration but to enhance China's prestige and respect, bringing back exotic animals as tribute.
• 🧭 Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer who opened a sea route from Europe to India, aiming to access the spice trade and find mythical Christian allies.
• 🏰 Portugal's strategy in the Indian Ocean involved establishing a 'trading post empire' and using force to control trade, which was seen as piracy by local merchants.
• 🌐 The Line of Demarcation was an attempt to divide the world between Spain and Portugal, ignoring the rights and existence of indigenous peoples.
• 🌍 Columbus's voyages, despite not achieving his stated goals, had profound and lasting impacts on world history, leading to a truly global historical narrative.
• 💰 The success of Columbus's voyages led to Spain becoming a leading European power, although the impact on indigenous Americans was largely negative.
• 🗺️ The script challenges the idea of Columbus as a lucky idiot, highlighting his navigational skills and the complexity of his legacy.
• 📜 The script also critiques the notion of 'discovery', emphasizing that lands were already known and inhabited by millions before European arrival.

Q & A

Who is the host of Crash Course World History mentioned in the script?

The host of Crash Course World History is John Green.

What is the main theme of the video script?

The main theme of the video script is a comparison and contrast of the historical significance and impact of three 15th-century explorers: Christopher Columbus, Zheng He, and Vasco da Gama.

What was the purpose of Zheng He's voyages according to the script?

Zheng He's voyages were primarily for establishing China's prestige and respect as the center of the economic universe, and to engage in tribute missions rather than for exploration or trade in the conventional sense.

What was unique about Zheng He's fleet compared to Columbus' expedition?

Zheng He's fleet was significantly larger and more advanced than Columbus' expedition. He led an armada of over 300 ships with a crew of over 27,000, whereas Columbus' first voyage consisted of three ships.

Why did the Yongle Emperor's successors discontinue Zheng He's voyages?

The Yongle Emperor's successors were more concerned with protecting China against traditional enemies, the nomads from the steppe, and chose to focus resources on building the Great Wall instead of continuing maritime expeditions.

What was the primary motivation behind Vasco da Gama's explorations?

Vasco da Gama's explorations were primarily motivated by the desire to access the lucrative Indian Ocean spice trade and to find the mythical Christian King Prester John to aid in a crusade.

How did the Portuguese establish control in the Indian Ocean after Vasco da Gama's voyages?

The Portuguese established control by capturing and controlling coastal cities, creating a 'trading post empire,' and using extortion tactics such as forcing merchants to purchase a cartaz to trade in towns they controlled.

What misconceptions about Columbus does the script aim to dispel?

The script aims to dispel the misconceptions that Columbus and his crew did not know the Earth was round, that he thought he had reached China, and that he was a lucky idiot rather than a skilled navigator.

What was the Line of Demarcation mentioned in the script?

The Line of Demarcation was an agreement in 1494 by Pope Alexander VI to divide the world into Spanish and Portuguese spheres of influence, settling a dispute between the two nations over newly discovered lands.

How did Columbus's voyages impact the world according to the script?

Columbus's voyages had a lasting impact on the world, leading to Spain's temporary rise as a European power and initiating a period of world history that included the colonization and often detrimental effects on the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

What question does John Green pose to the viewers regarding the explorers' legacies?

John Green asks viewers to consider what kind of person they would want to be: a capable administrator and brilliant sailor like Zheng He, a daring captain like Vasco da Gama, or the bearer of a complicated but famous legacy like Columbus.