European Sea-based Empires: 1450 to 1750 Overview

Overview

• The period from 1450 to 1750 is a significant turning point in world history.
• Marked by the development of state-sponsored sea-based empires by European states.

Key Concepts

State Sponsorship

• Driven by changes in European power distribution.
  • Population recovery post-Black Death.
  • Monarchs consolidating power and reducing the influence of nobility.
  • Militarization and efficient taxation to fund empire-building.

Motivations for Exploration

• The spice trade, particularly pepper, was a key motivator.
• Control over land routes by other empires increased costs, encouraging sea routes.

Major European Players

Portugal

• Geography: Limited possibilities for expansion led to focus on maritime expansion.
• Prince Henry the Navigator
  • Sponsored early maritime explorations.
  • Motivated by technology (compass, astrolabe, caravel), economics (gold, spices), and religion (spread of Christianity, find Prester John).
• Empire Strategy
  • Established a trading post empire around Africa and the Indian Ocean.
  • Vasco da Gama’s exploration of coasts reached Calicut, capitalizing on Indian Ocean trade.

Spain

• Ferdinand and Isabella: Sponsored Christopher Columbus.
• Christopher Columbus
  • Proposed a westward route to Asia.
  • Landed in the Caribbean, mistakenly believing it to be Southeast Asia.
  • Opened transatlantic trade, leading to colonization in the Americas.
• Ferdinand Magellan: Completed circumnavigation and strengthened Spanish presence in the East Indies.

Other European States

France

• Explorations
  • Sought a westward passage to Asia but did not find it.
  • Established trading posts in North America (fur trade) and founded Quebec.

England

• Initial Hesitance: Wealth from textiles delayed exploration.
• Queen Elizabeth I
  • Defeated Spain and promoted exploration.
  • Commissioned Sir Walter Raleigh, leading to the establishment of Virginia and Jamestown.

Dutch

• Independence from Spain: Became the wealthiest in Europe.
• Explorations
  • Competed in African and Indian Ocean trading posts.
  • Sponsored Henry Hudson and founded New Amsterdam in the New World.

Conclusion

• European sea-based empires led to significant global shifts in trade and power.
• Exploration was driven by political, economic, and religious factors.
• The development of new trade routes and colonies had lasting impacts on world history.