photo.jpg

### Arrival of the Europeans in Asia - Trade between Asia and Europe existed even during the time of the Greco-Roman Civilization - Alexander the Great invaded countries up to India, further strengthening trade relations between Asia and Europe - After the collapse of the Greek civilization, the Ro...

### Arrival of the Europeans in Asia - Trade between Asia and Europe existed even during the time of the Greco-Roman Civilization - Alexander the Great invaded countries up to India, further strengthening trade relations between Asia and Europe - After the collapse of the Greek civilization, the Roman Civilization developed and became a very powerful empire in Europe - Even during the Roman Civilization, there were trade relations between Europe and Asia - The collapse of the Roman civilization paved the way for the development of numerous independent regional states in Europe - The rulers of the European states carried out administrative affairs with the support of the nobility or the elites who held powerful positions in regional areas - Under this system, the elites owned the land, while the farmers had to cultivate it, creating a feudal system - The power of the Europeans during this period did not spread beyond Europe itself. - Muslim traders spread their activities through the Middle East and several parts of Asia. - These travelers acted as middlemen between Asia and Europe, transporting commodities such as: - Silk, perfume and ceramic ware from China - Silver from Japan - Pearls, gems, spices, elephants and ivory from Sri Lanka - Spices, such as pepper, cinnamon, opium, and cotton clothes, from India - Spices like cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg from East Indian islands such as Java, Sumatra, and Borneo - European demand for Asian spices, used to make food tastier, increased Muslim traders’ wealth and power. - The conquest of Constantinople by Turkey was a major blow to the European trade, forcing them to look for new sea routes to Asia. ### Objectives of the Europeans in Asia - Buying spices and other commodities produced in Asia and selling them in Europe for profit - Gaining a trade monopoly in Asia, which was in the hands of the Muslims at the time - Spreading European religion in Asian countries ### Arrival of the Portuguese in Asia - The Portuguese were the first European nation to visit Asia - Vasco da Gama arrived in Calicut, India in 1498, opening the way for the Portuguese to enter Asia - The King of Portugal was delighted by the return of Vasco da Gama, loaded with wealth, leading to a push to develop trade relationships with Asia - The Portuguese first built up relationships with the kingdoms in the coastal areas of India and later expanded to reach Lanka - The Portuguese found it difficult to manage affairs in Asia while remaining in Portugal, so they captured Goa, India, and made it their center of operations. ### Arrival of the Dutch - The Dutch were unable to reach Asia until a century after the arrival of the Portuguese - The Dutch began to arrive in 1595, sending trading companies to Asia from time to time until 1602 - These companies were competing with each other, as well as with the Portuguese, resulting in a struggle for dominance - Realizing the need to be stronger, the Dutch ruler merged several companies in 1602, establishing the Dutch East India Company, or VOC, a very strong organization that handled all future Dutch affairs in Asia. - The Dutch were particularly interested in South-East Asian islands where spices were produced on a large scale. - They established a number of warehouses along the coasts of India and, eventually, drove out the Portuguese from Southeast Asian countries. - The Dutch established their headquarters in Batavia, South-East Asia, and eventually, by the middle of the 17th century, dominated trade in the East.