Overview
This lecture recounts the events of Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition, the first successful circumnavigation of the globe, detailing its motivations, major challenges, and key outcomes.
The Age of Exploration
- Around 1480, Magellan is born as Portugal begins maritime exploration for new trade routes, especially to the Indies for spices.
- Spain also begins exploring, reaching America by sailing west.
- The 1494 Treaty of Tordesillas divides the world: Spain gets lands west, Portugal east of a defined meridian.
Magellan’s Expedition Plans
- In 1513, Balboa discovers the "South Sea" (Pacific Ocean) beyond America.
- Magellan, after working for Portugal, proposes a western route to the Spice Islands to bypass Portuguese-controlled African routes.
- The Portuguese king rejects the plan; in 1517, Magellan secures Spanish support from Charles V to challenge Portugal’s spice trade monopoly.
Voyage and Early Challenges
- Magellan departs Spain in 1519 with five ships and 239 men.
- The fleet reaches Brazil, then heads south, searching for a passage to the Pacific.
- At Puerto San Julian, a mutiny occurs; Magellan suppresses it violently.
- The expedition encounters local “Patagones,” naming the region Patagonia.
Entering the Pacific
- After surviving the winter and losing a ship, they discover and traverse the strait later named after Magellan.
- They see fires on land (“Tierra del Fuego”).
- Captain Gomes deserts and returns to Spain, accusing Magellan of treason.
Pacific Crossing and Hardships
- The remaining ships cross the Pacific, facing starvation and scurvy; they eat rats and ox hides.
- Magellan names the Pacific Ocean for its calmness.
- After 99 days, land is spotted, but hostile locals force a quick departure.
The Philippines and Magellan’s Death
- In the Philippines, they establish good relations and ally with local ruler Rajah Humabon.
- Magellan is killed in battle on Mactan Island after attempting to subdue Chief Lapu-Lapu.
- An ambush at a banquet kills more Spaniards; survivors escape on two ships.
Spice Islands and Return to Spain
- The expedition reaches the Moluccas and loads cloves.
- Trinidad is damaged and later captured by the Portuguese; Victoria, led by Elcano, evades the Portuguese by sailing south.
- Food shortages lead to a stop at Cape Verde, where some are arrested; the rest escape.
- On September 6, 1522, Elcano and 17 survivors return to Spain, completing the first circumnavigation.
Alternative Circumnavigation Claim
- Henrique of Malacca, Magellan’s slave-interpreter, may have circled the globe if he returned home before Elcano.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Treaty of Tordesillas — 1494 agreement dividing newly discovered lands between Spain (west) and Portugal (east).
- Strait of Magellan — A navigable sea route at South America’s southern tip, first crossed by Magellan.
- Scurvy — A disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, common during long sea voyages.
- Circumnavigation — Traveling all the way around the world by ship.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key events leading to the circumnavigation and their significance for global trade.
- Study the Treaty of Tordesillas and its implications for modern geography.