Crash Course World History: The Greatest Mariners of the 15th Century

Introduction

Host: John Green
Topic: Comparison of 15th-century explorers: Christopher Columbus, Zheng He, and Vasco da Gama
Key Question: Who was the greatest mariner of the 15th century?

Famous for discovering America in 1492
Misconceptions Addressed:
- Columbus knew the Earth was round, but miscalculated its size.
- He believed he reached the East Indies (Indonesia), not China.
- Not a lucky idiot: Used dead reckoning navigation
Impact:
- His voyages led to the Spanish becoming a leading European power.
- Negative impact on Indigenous populations in the Americas.

Chinese Admiral, Muslim, and eunuch
- Voyages (1405-1433) with over 300 ships and 27,000 crew members
- Treasure ships over 400 feet long
Goals:
- Enhance Chinese prestige and respect via the tribute system
- Conducted trade missions that emphasized China's superiority
Achievements:
- Brought exotic animals back to China
- Conducted seven major voyages across the Indian Ocean
Decline:
- Voyages ended due to his death and lack of interest from successors
- Focus shifted to Great Wall construction and defense against nomads

Represented Portuguese exploration
- Portugal: Resource-poor, relied on trade
- Strong Christian crusading spirit
Prince Henry the Navigator:
- Patron of navigation school at Sagres
- Commissioned sailors to find a sea route to the Indian Ocean and Prester John's kingdom
Achievements:
- First to make it around Africa to the Indian Ocean in 1498
- Established trading post empire in the Indian Ocean
- Used cartize system to control trade

Definition of greatness varies:
- Zheng He: Administrative competence and naval prowess
- Vasco da Gama: Daring exploration
- Columbus: Lasting (albeit complicated) impact
Reflection: What kind of legacy is preferable?