ClassX Video Lessons Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Zheng He – 15th Century Mariners: World History #21
In world history, Christopher Columbus is a name many people recognize, especially for his famous 1492 voyage. But there’s more to the story of exploration during the 15th century. Let’s dive into the adventures of Columbus and compare him with two other important explorers: Zheng He from China and Vasco da Gama from Portugal. We’ll explore what each of them contributed to global trade and exploration.
Zheng He was a remarkable figure from China who doesn’t always get the attention he deserves in history. He was a Muslim eunuch who rose to become China’s greatest admiral. Between 1405 and 1433, he led seven major voyages across the Indian Ocean with over 300 ships and more than 27,000 crew members. His treasure ships were enormous, over 400 feet long!
Zheng He wasn’t exploring unknown lands; he was on trade missions to show off China’s power and prestige. At that time, China was the world’s top producer of high-quality goods and didn’t need to import much. Instead, they wanted foreign rulers to visit China and show respect to the emperor in a ceremony called the kowtow.
Zheng He’s voyages brought back exotic animals and goods, boosting China’s status as a global economic leader. However, after his death and the passing of the Yongle Emperor, China focused more on internal matters and stopped these grand voyages.
Vasco da Gama was a key figure in Portuguese exploration. Portugal, with its long coastline, relied on trade to grow. Under Prince Henry the Navigator, Portuguese sailors learned a lot about navigation and created new maps, which helped them explore further.
Da Gama was the first to sail around Africa and reach the Indian Ocean, arriving in Calicut in 1498. His mission was to find gold and spread Christianity. Unlike Zheng He, who wanted to boost China’s prestige, the Portuguese aimed to set up a trading post empire. They took over several coastal cities and used a permit system called cartaz to control trade. However, their tactics of extortion and piracy limited their long-term success in the Indian Ocean.
Christopher Columbus is often celebrated as a great explorer, but his story is complex. He and his crew knew the Earth was round, but he miscalculated its size. His voyages were funded by Spain’s Ferdinand and Isabella, who wanted riches and to spread Christianity.
In 1492, Columbus reached the Caribbean, thinking he had found the East Indies. Although he didn’t find gold or spices, his voyages opened the door for European colonization in the Americas, which had significant and often harmful effects on indigenous peoples.
Who was the greatest mariner of the 15th century? It depends on what you value. If you admire administrative skill and trade impact, Zheng He stands out. If you value daring exploration, Vasco da Gama might be your choice. Columbus’s voyages had a lasting impact on global history, but with negative consequences for many.
Ultimately, the question is: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? Would you prefer to be a capable leader like Zheng He, a bold explorer like da Gama, or a figure with a complicated legacy like Columbus? The choices we make in history continue to affect us today.
Create a map highlighting the routes taken by Zheng He, Vasco da Gama, and Christopher Columbus. Use different colors for each explorer. Label key locations they visited and note significant events that occurred during their voyages. This will help you visualize their journeys and understand the geographical scope of their explorations.
Participate in a role-playing debate where you represent one of the three explorers: Zheng He, Vasco da Gama, or Christopher Columbus. Prepare arguments to convince your classmates why your explorer was the greatest mariner of the 15th century. Consider their achievements, impact on global trade, and historical legacy.
Construct a model of one of the ships used by these explorers. Use materials like cardboard, paper, and string. Research the design and features of the ships to make your model as accurate as possible. Present your model to the class and explain how the ship’s design contributed to the success of the voyages.
Engage in a trade simulation game where you assume the role of a trader during the 15th century. Use a point system to trade goods like spices, silk, and gold. Consider the challenges faced by each explorer, such as navigation, weather, and political barriers. This activity will help you understand the economic motivations behind the voyages.
Write a journal entry from the perspective of a crew member on one of the voyages. Describe daily life on the ship, the challenges faced, and the excitement of discovering new lands. Use historical facts to make your entry realistic and engaging. Share your entry with the class to explore different viewpoints from the era.
Exploration – The action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it. – During the Age of Exploration, European nations sought new trade routes and territories across the globe.
Trade – The action of buying, selling, or exchanging goods and services between people or countries. – The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and West.
Voyages – Long journeys involving travel by sea or in space. – Christopher Columbus is famous for his voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, which led to the European discovery of the Americas.
China – A country in East Asia, known for its rich history and contributions to civilization, such as the invention of paper and gunpowder. – The Great Wall of China was built to protect the Chinese states from invasions by nomadic tribes.
Portugal – A country in Southern Europe, known for its maritime exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries. – Portugal was a leading nation in the Age of Discovery, with explorers like Vasco da Gama finding a sea route to India.
Admiral – A high-ranking naval officer in charge of a fleet or group of ships. – Admiral Zheng He led seven major expeditions from China to Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa in the early 15th century.
Colonization – The act of setting up a colony away from one’s place of origin. – The colonization of the Americas by European powers had a profound impact on the indigenous populations and the global economy.
Navigation – The process or activity of accurately ascertaining one’s position and planning and following a route. – Advances in navigation, such as the use of the astrolabe, allowed sailors to travel further and more safely during the Age of Exploration.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Understanding history helps us learn from past mistakes and shape a better future.
Legacy – Something handed down by a predecessor, often referring to cultural or historical impacts. – The legacy of the Roman Empire can be seen in modern legal systems, languages, and architecture.
