Asia and Global Economy

Ch 22

Vasco da Gama

1st European to reach India/Asia (1499) Brought to light inadequacy of European goods Set in motion European relationship with Asia

Asia was fairly self-sufficient or tied with Muslim traders. Didn’t care about Europeans

I. Introduction

Asian sea trading network

Arab Zone- Glass, Carpet and Tapestry India (central) Zone- Cotton Textiles Chine Zone- Paper, Porcelain and Silk

I. Introduction

Da Gama 1st landed in Calicut (India)

Merchants only interested in Bullion Mercantilism says this is bad

Portuguese take over Europeans realized that there was no central

control on trade Move in with caravels Upset peaceful trade and instituted

tributes/licensing European Piracy

II. Asia and the Europeans

Problems for Portuguese

Lack of numbers (troops) Overloaded ships Corruption Asian Resistance

Dutch takeover Same tactic but more/powerful ships Vertical monopoly Became more peaceful (middle man) Trade regulation

II. Asia and the Europeans

General Problems

Real power only by shore Inland: submit to local leaders

Missionaries Not easy India

Success with untouchables and lower classes Di Nobili- studied culture to convert

Phillipines- minor success

II. Asia and the Europeans

Formed by peasant – Zhu Yuanzhang (1368)

Declared himself Hongwu Cleansed China of Mongol influence Distrusted scholar gentry but needed them

Pushed Civil Service Exams Very strict

Tried to clean up administration Tried to help poor through public works

Nobility eventually got richer

III. Ming China

Growth

Diets improved Corn, sweet potatoes and peanuts Irrigation improved

Increase in demand for silk, porcelain and ceramics

Limited Europeans only to Macao and Canton Arts improved

III. Ming China

Decline

Became isolated again Corruption and incompetent rulers Lack of maintaining irrigation and other major

public structures Peasant life declined (cannibalism) Eunuchs took power 1644- Chongzen committed suicide during

rebellion

III. Ming China

Very disorganized until Nobunga

Used gunpowder and surprise Killed by vassal

Toyotomi Hideyoshi Continued conquest of Nobunga Focused on Korea (failed)

Tokugawa Ieyasu Ended civil war Moved capital to Tokyo (Edo)

IV. Japan

European invasion

Accidental due to shipwreck Traded guns, printing press and clocks Missionaries encouraged by Shogun to promote

unity Ended when wouldn’t follow all orders

Isolationism Fear of European invasion Banned missionaries from 1580 on Banned all European influences

IV. Japan

Decreased Muslim trade even more Increased European wealth Pushed China and Japan into isolationism

V. Wrap Up