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

Introduction

• Theme: Comparing and contrasting famous mariners of the 15th Century.
• Columbus discovered “America” in 1492, but it was already inhabited by millions.
• The lecture will focus on three main figures: Christopher Columbus, Zheng He, and Vasco da Gama.

Zheng He

• Background:
  • A Muslim and a eunuch from China.
  • Rose to become the greatest admiral in Chinese history.
• Voyages:
  • Led seven voyages between 1405-1433 with over 300 ships and 27,000 crew.
  • Ships were enormous; flagship was 400 feet long.
• Purpose:
  • Not exploration, but reaffirming China’s dominance.
  • Engaged in tribute missions where foreign rulers acknowledged Chinese superiority.
  • Brought exotic animals to China from his travels.
• End of Voyages:
  • Stopped after Zheng He and his patron, the Yongle Emperor, died.
  • Resources redirected to building the Great Wall.

Vasco da Gama

• Background:
  • From Portugal, a nation with a strong maritime tradition.
  • Supported by Prince Henry the Navigator, who was a patron of exploration.
• Achievements:
  • First European to reach India by sea, landing in Calicut in 1498.
  • Interested in gold and spreading Christianity.
• Impact:
  • Established a ‘trading post empire’ in the Indian Ocean.
  • Relied on extortion tactics like the cartaz system.

Christopher Columbus

• Background:
  • Sponsored by Spain’s Ferdinand and Isabella despite skepticism about his plans.
• Voyages:
  • Made four voyages, initially landing on San Salvador in the Caribbean.
  • Sought gold and Christians but was less successful than Zheng He or da Gama in achieving his goals.
• Impact:
  • Important for initiating contact between Europe and the Americas.
  • Led to Spain’s temporary dominance in European politics.

Line of Demarcation

• Background:
  • Established by Pope Alexander VI in 1494 to divide newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal.
• Ramifications:
  • Overlooked native inhabitants of claimed lands.
  • Highlighted Europe’s approach to division and control of the world.

Conclusion

• Greatest Mariner Debate:
  • Zheng He valued for administrative competence and naval prowess.
  • Vasco da Gama known for daring exploration.
  • Columbus remembered for impactful, albeit controversial, legacy.
• Reflection: Which type of mariner is preferable depends on one’s values: competence, daring, or legacy.