Overview
This lecture covers Ferdinand Magellan's 1519-1522 expedition, the first successful circumnavigation of the globe, highlighting its motives, challenges, and achievements.
Background and Motives for Exploration
- European exploration surged in the late 1400s due to demand for Far Eastern spices and increasing competition for trade routes.
- Portugal dominated spice trade routes by 1518, prompting Spain to seek its own path to the Spice Islands.
- Ferdinand Magellan, a skilled Portuguese navigator, proposed a western route to the Spice Islands to Spain’s King Charles I.
The Expedition Begins
- In September 1519, Magellan set sail from Spain with 270 men and five ships.
- The crew traded with indigenous peoples in Brazil for supplies before heading further south.
Mutiny and Struggles
- Harsh winter conditions at Puerto San Julian led to a mutiny, which Magellan put down with executions and marooning the ringleaders.
- The Santiago ship was wrecked and its crew rescued; San Antonio deserted and returned to Spain.
Discovery of the Strait and Pacific Crossing
- Magellan discovered a 350-mile passage, now called the Strait of Magellan, leading to the Pacific Ocean.
- The Pacific crossing lasted 99 days, with men suffering starvation and scurvy; 19 died before reaching Guam.
Reaching the Philippines and Magellan’s Death
- After Guam, the expedition reached the Philippines and formed alliances with local rulers.
- Magellan was killed in battle on Mactan Island, and the crew was ambushed by former allies.
Completing the Voyage
- Survivors reached the Spice Islands after further hardship, trading everything for cloves.
- The Trinidad ship was damaged and later captured; only the Victoria, led by Juan Sebastian Elcano, continued.
- Victoria sailed home across the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, finally returning to Spain in September 1522 with just 18 surviving crew.
Achievements and Impact
- Magellan’s expedition was the first to circle the globe, proving Earth’s roundness and vastness.
- The feat was unmatched until Francis Drake repeated it 58 years later.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Circumnavigation — sailing all the way around the world.
- Carrack — a large sailing ship used in the 15th-17th centuries.
- Scurvy — a disease caused by lack of vitamin C, common on long sea voyages.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the story of Francis Drake for further understanding of global exploration.
- Study maps of Magellan’s route and key locations mentioned.