Crash Course World History: Columbus, Zheng He, and Vasco da Gama

Introduction

• Host: John Green from Crash Course
• Topic: Comparing notable sailors of the 15th century
• Notable figures: Christopher Columbus, Zheng He, Vasco da Gama

Christopher Columbus

• Reputation: Often credited with discovering America in 1492
• Legacy: Impactful but controversial results
  • Negative impact on native populations
  • Initiated European colonization of the Americas
• Misconceptions:
  • Knew the Earth was round but underestimated its size
  • Thought he reached the East Indies (Indonesia), not China
  • Navigated using dead reckoning

Zheng He

• Background:
  • Muslim and eunuch in 15th century China
  • Worked under the Ming Dynasty
• Accomplishments:
  • Led seven major voyages (1405-1433) with over 300 ships and 27,000 crew
  • Ships were massive, dwarfed Columbus's ships
  • Conducted tribute missions, promoting Chinese prestige
  • Brought exotic animals to China (e.g., giraffes, rhinos)
• Impact:
  • Established China’s dominance in naval technology
  • Voyages ended due to shifts in Chinese policy focusing on land defenses and the Great Wall

Vasco da Gama

• Portuguese Exploration Context:
  • Portugal was resource-poor, reliant on trade
  • Supported by Prince Henry the Navigator
• Achievements:
  • First to reach India by sea in 1498
  • Sought gold and Christians
  • Established trading post empire via naval superiority
• Methods:
  • Used armed ships to control key coastal cities
  • Introduced cartize permits for trade, likened to piracy

Comparison

• Zheng He: Administrative competence, greater ships, known routes
• Vasco da Gama: Opened a sea route to India, trading advantage
• Christopher Columbus: Long-lasting, albeit negative, impact on world history

Conclusion

• The impact of these explorers varied greatly and was often contingent on the objectives and technologies of their respective countries.
• The legacy of Columbus is more remembered due to the transformative effect of his voyages on world history.
• Reflection: What type of explorer or impact would you prefer to have?

Additional Information

• Production: Written by John Green and Raoul Meyer
• Interaction: Viewers encouraged to comment and engage with historical discussions
• Phrase of the Week: Viewers can guess and suggest new phrases

• Remember: "Don't forget to be awesome."