Maritime Empires and Swahili City-States

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Questions and Answers

What motivated Japan to issue an edict prohibiting the Portuguese from trading in 1639?

Preference for trade with Korea only

Desire to preserve trade after losing it to pirates

Fear of Portuguese military expansion

Concerns over the spread of Christianity (correct)

Which country continued to trade with Japan while agreeing to refrain from missionary activities?

The Netherlands (correct)

Spain

Portugal

China

What was a significant outcome of the restrictions enacted between 1633 and 1639 in Japan?

Christianity was fully accepted in Japan.

Trade continued but was limited to select countries. (correct)

Piracy in Japanese waters was entirely eliminated.

Japan became completely isolated from foreign trade.

What happened to the Portuguese ship that attempted to negotiate reopening trade in 1640?

It was captured and the crew was executed. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Ming Dynasty's maritime expeditions under Zheng He primarily serve China?

To showcase China's greatness Signup and view all the answers

What was a driving factor behind Japan's tightening trade restrictions during the Tokugawa period?

The perceived threat of Christianity Signup and view all the answers

What port did Japan allow the Dutch to use for trading?

Nagasaki Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for Japan's shift toward isolationism during the early 1600s?

Fears of foreign domination via religion Signup and view all the answers

Which region received about half of all enslaved people brought to the Americas during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade?

Brazil Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of enslaved people were taken to North American colonies during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade?

10% Signup and view all the answers

How does chattel slavery differ from traditional forms of slavery?

Chattel slavery treats slaves as property. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant characteristic of chattel slavery in the Americas?

It was primarily based on race. Signup and view all the answers

What was a crucial impact of viewing slaves as property in the chattel slavery system?

Slaves were disposable and could be replaced easily. Signup and view all the answers

What contributed to the high demand for enslaved labor in Brazil and the Caribbean?

Sugar production Signup and view all the answers

What was one way traditional African slavery continued even after the onset of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade?

It persisted alongside the new systems. Signup and view all the answers

When did the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade take place?

1526 to 1867 Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant consequence of the sea ban (haijin) issued during the Ming Dynasty?

It resulted in increased piracy. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the new emperor's attitude after the Yongle Emperor's death in relation to Zheng He's voyages?

He was more conservative and opposed such voyages. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Treaty of Tordesillas affect Spanish and Portuguese claims in the Americas?

It established a clear boundary for colonization. Signup and view all the answers

What event led to Portugal claiming Brazil in 1500?

Pedro Álvarez Cabral's unintended landing. Signup and view all the answers

What issue did Portugal face concerning the original line of demarcation established in 1494?

It restricted their ability to explore Africa. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the focus of Ming China's policies after the Yongle Emperor's reign?

Strengthening land borders. Signup and view all the answers

What modern language distribution can be traced back to the effects of the Treaty of Tordesillas?

Portuguese predominating in Brazil and Spanish elsewhere in South America. Signup and view all the answers

What was a reason for the issuance of restrictive sea trade policies during the Ming and early Qing Dynasties?

To manage internal security threats. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the encomienda system implemented by Nicolás de Ovando?

To quell Taino revolts through forced labor Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the Europeans upon arriving in the Indian Ocean trade network?

To capitalize on and control the existing trade network Signup and view all the answers

How did the encomienda system in the Americas differ from the original system in Spain?

It resembled slavery more than European feudalism. Signup and view all the answers

Which port city did the Portuguese gain control of in 1507?

Muscat Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the hacienda system in Spanish colonial America?

It involved large agricultural estates using coerced labor. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the controversy surrounding the encomienda systems in the Americas?

The harsh conditions and corrupt practices involved. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major contribution of European traders to the Asante Empire's development?

Provision of weapons and gunpowder Signup and view all the answers

What labor system was prominently used in the Americas for agricultural economies?

Incan mit'a Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the native Taino population in Cuba by the mid-1500s?

They were enslaved and largely wiped out Signup and view all the answers

How long did encomienda systems last in the Spanish Empire?

For several centuries, until 1791 Signup and view all the answers

Which three European countries competed in trade within the Asante Empire?

Portuguese, Dutch, and English Signup and view all the answers

From 1672 to 1713, how many African slaves were estimated to have been brought to the British colonies?

125,000 Signup and view all the answers

What does the hacienda system resemble in terms of European systems?

The manorial system Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Indian Ocean' encompass in this context?

East Africa, India, and Southeast Asia islands Signup and view all the answers

Which city-state was highlighted as having one of the largest ports in East Africa?

Kilwa Signup and view all the answers

What new labor system was introduced in the Americas along with chattel slavery?

Hacienda system Signup and view all the answers

What was the intended benefit for laborers under the encomienda system?

Protection from harm Signup and view all the answers

Which nation was considered a crucial facilitator of trade in the Indian Ocean prior to European arrival?

Omanis Signup and view all the answers

What event marked a significant challenge to the encomienda system in Hispaniola?

The Taino revolt against Spanish governance Signup and view all the answers

Which economic activity was a significant driver for importing African slaves to Brazil?

Sugar plantation economy Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Omanis' attack on the Portuguese-held Fort Jesus in 1696?

The Omanis gained control of the fort Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant economic activity of the Gujaratis in the Indian Ocean trade?

Production of textiles Signup and view all the answers

How did the arrival of Europeans impact existing trade systems in the Indian Ocean?

Altered trade dynamics between Asian and African traders Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Swahili city-states play in the Indian Ocean economy?

They connected inland African trade with maritime trade. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Maritime Empires Established

Students should ensure they have access to their guided notes before the lecture.
The first part of the lecture focuses on governance (politics) concerning the SPICE-T theme.
Vasco da Gama's voyage opened a new sea route to India and Southeast Asia from Europe.
The Portuguese influence on African coastal cities (both East and West) was significant due to their early engagement in maritime trade with West Africa.
Vasco da Gama observed bustling African port cities and numerous merchant ships during his voyage to India.
His journey sparked the establishment of Portugal's maritime empire.

The Swahili City-States

Swahili translates to "people of the coast".
The Swahili coast became a point of interest to the Portuguese following Vasco da Gama's 1498 voyage.
35 independent trading cities, primarily Muslim, thrived on trade between the 12th and 15th centuries.
These trading cities were significant for the Portuguese as they were active participants in the lucrative Indian Ocean trade.
Major Swahili trading cities were of interest to the Portuguese after Vasco da Gama's first voyage.

Portugal Seeks Trading Posts in Africa

Portugal established a trading-post empire, a network of small ports in Africa and Southeast Asia to control valuable trading routes.
Mombasa, present-day Kenya, was a target for trading-post establishment.
Vasco da Gama's crew encountered unarmed Arab merchant ships and attacked and looted them.
This action led to increased Portuguese presence on the East African coast.
Mombasa's strategic location made it a vital trading post for Portugal, aiming to control the Indian Ocean trade.

Portugal and Mombasa

Two years after Vasco da Gama's initial visit, the Portuguese returned and attacked Mombasa.
The city was destroyed by Nuno da Cunha in 1528.
Mombasa was captured by the Ottomans and Somalis in 1585, and later reconquered by the Portuguese in 1589.
Fort Jesus was built to defend the city's claim. The fort was repeatedly taken over by several different parties.
Mombasa was a highly desired trading post because of its vast trading potential. Portugal made vast investments in controlling the city.

Portugal and Kilwa

Da Gama reported his findings to King Manuel I after returning to Portugal.
A second Portuguese India Armada, led by Pedro Álvares Cabral, visited Kilwa in 1500 and attempted a treaty.
Vasco da Gama returned to Kilwa in 1502 and forced a tribute payment from the city's leader.
Francisco de Almeida established a Portuguese presence in Kilwa in 1505 by bringing in his fleet and built Fort Santiago.

Response to the Portuguese

The Portuguese encountered resistance in some areas despite their trade agreements.
Mombasa and Kilwa faced conflict, due to Portuguese policies like requiring that only Portuguese ships trade with other nearby coastal cities.
This impacted local merchants who relied on free trade.
The Portuguese installed puppet leaders, often with violent repercussions for those who refused to compromise with them.
Ultimately, the Portuguese abandoned Fort Santiago and the city was taken over by Omani Arabs in 1512.

Portuguese India Armadas

Vasco da Gama's voyage prompted repeated Portuguese missions to India (India Armadas).
These missions aimed to expand Portugal's sea-based empire in both Africa and Asia.
The voyages were often aggressive and resulted in establishing various trading posts.
Large armadas of 20 ships and 1500-1800 men were sent to engage in trade and establish control over trade routes.
These voyages also extended to Brazil.

Building Portugal's Empire

Portugal established bases/warehouses rather than controlling vast territories.
Aggressive tactics were used to establish a presence.
Control of bottlenecks (e.g., Hormuz, Malacca) was sought to dominate the spice trade.
This involved the construction of forts and commercial warehouses.
Control of coastal India and Brazil.

Portugal and West Africa

Pope Nicholas V granted Portugal dominion over lands south of Cape Bojador in Africa.
This ensured that Portugal's trade and colonization were protected.
Growing demand for slaves in Portugal due to labor shortages.
Trade occurred with the Kingdom of Benin, resulting in the exchange of goods like brass, ivory, and slaves.
The exchange of gunpowder for slaves altered power dynamics in these African kingdoms.

Portugal and West Africa: Kongo

The Kongo King Afonso I formed a relationship with Portugal, beginning a trade with Portugal in 1500's.
The Kongo King Afonso I was given the Christian name Afonso to further cement relations with Portugal.
He established a steady slave trade, but also attempted to control Portuguese slave trade, while also remaining subservient to Portugal.

Japan and the Nanban Trade Period

The arrival of Portuguese traders in Japan in 1543 marked the beginning of the Nanban Trading Period of the Japanese.
Japan's initial trade engagement involved significant exchange with Portuguese traders in Southeast Asia.
Subsequently, other Europeans including Dutch, English, and Spanish traders also participated.
The introduction of Christianity in Japan led to conflicts.
Japan largely closed for outside trade during the Tokugawa period (1603-1868) due to rising tensions between government and religion.
The Tokugawa shogunate (military government) enacted isolationist policies to preserve Japan's cultural identity.
Foreign trade remained through specific trading points in Japan (e.g., with China, Korea, and the Dutch).

Ming Dynasty Trade Policies

The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in China utilized large fleets under Zheng He for exploration.
Zheng He's expeditions explored areas bordering the Indian Ocean.
Later emperors issued "sea bans" to restrict trade to focus on internal threats.

European Rivalries: Spain and Portugal in the Americas

Spain's desire to control South America led to a dispute with Portugal over territories.
The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) attempted to divide the New World between Spain and Portugal.
Accidental Portuguese landing in Brazil in 1500 shifted colonization patterns.
Spain and Portugal continued to compete in other parts of the world and in the Americas, although the Treaty of Tordesillas was not enforced equally.

European Rivalries in India and Southeast Asia

European nations, like England and the Netherlands, sought to establish trading posts in India and Southeast Asia.
This competition led to conflicts with the Portuguese, Dutch, and English East India Companies.

European Rivalries in Africa: The Asante Empire

The Asante Empire's prosperity stemmed from its involvement in trade with Europeans.
This involved trading gold and enslaved people, with Europeans providing weapons and gunpowder.

Restructuring of Economic Systems in the Indian Ocean

The arrival of the Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch profoundly changed existing trade systems in the Indian Ocean.
Existing trade networks between Asia, the Middle East, and Africa continued, albeit significantly altered.

How did the arrival of Europeans to the Indian Ocean change existing trade systems?

Some existing trade systems in the Indian Ocean continued to thrive alongside the changes brought in by European traders.
European traders sought to control trading routes, ports, and trade networks.
European control over some ports and trade networks persisted, with indigenous traders continuing to trade in the region.

Labor Systems in the Americas

The Spanish established encomienda systems (using coerced indigenous labor) in the Americas.
The Portuguese and Dutch used similar systems which led to exploitative labor conditions.
The Mitma system, used by the Incas, was modified by the Spanish.
Indentured servitude and chattel slavery increased as labor demands grew in the Americas, particularly in regions that focused on agriculture and resource extraction.

Colonial Economic Systems: Plantations

Plantations (large estates that primarily grew a single crop) developed under Spanish and Portuguese control, and later British control, requiring significant labor.
Initially, Native Americans were employed, followed by the shift to enslaved Africans.
Plantation economies heavily depended on enslaved people.

Indentured Servitude in the British Colonies

Indentured servants came to British North America.
They signed contracts to work for a specific number of years to pay for their voyage.
These servants often experienced poor conditions
The labor system was gradually replaced by chattel slavery.

Chattel Slavery in the Triangular Trade

The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade transformed African slavery.
Chattel slavery, where people were treated as property, developed.
Chattel slavery was a brutal system in which enslaved people had no rights.
The demands for labor in sugar and other plantation economies created a great demand for enslaved people.

Continuities in African Slavery

Forms of slavery existed in Africa before the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
These existing forms of slavery were distinct from the chattel slavery introduced by Europeans.

Demographic Changes in the Americas

The transatlantic slave trade led to significant population shifts in the Americas.
Racial mixing occurred in the Caribbean and South America.
The slave trade had long-term detrimental effects on African societies.

Africa lost millions of people through the trans-Atlantic slave trade, particularly men.
This led to economic and social disruption, with many West African kingdoms losing their population.
Some African states became prosperous because of their involvement in the trade with Europeans, but most states experienced decline/disruption of economic structures due to the slave trade.

King Afonso I of the Kongo

King Afonso I of the Kongo made efforts to control the trans-Atlantic slave trade in order to secure his kingdom, but was largely unsuccessful given Portuguese traders' and merchants' disregard and defiance.
King Afonso I wrote to King Joao III of Portugal seeking assistance, to persuade him to curb the slave trade and better treat the people he was trading.

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Description

This quiz explores the establishment of maritime empires, focusing on Vasco da Gama's significant voyages that opened new trade routes to India and Africa. It also examines the role of the Swahili city-states, their trading practices, and their interactions with Portuguese explorers during the age of sail.