Global Encounters

 There is a difference between the exploration and trade in China and Europe since the European expansion was an Atlantic expansion that was associated with success and dominance in the world economy. On the other hand, the exploration and trade in China experienced an economic decline. The possible reasons for the differences are that in the 15th century, China had maritime expeditions that were capable of reaching East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula (Stockwell, 2003).  However, the expeditions for the exploration ended in 1433 and China created a sense of self-sufficiency and withdrew from the global exploration.  On the other hand, Europe was able to exploit the resources and expand its global commerce due to the technological changes.  The second reason is that the commercial revolution.  In the 13th century, China had expanded the economic growth in the Afro-Asian world system.  Europe was also in the Afro-Asian world system, but as a result of the creation of the new world system in 1500, Europe got an opportunity for global expansion, and it dominated China (Stockwell, 2003).

 Based on the Chinese Treasure Fleets, China sent its fleet to the Indian Ocean in the 14th century, but the overseas expedition did not last long due to internal problems. The fleets remained in the t were in the India Ocean, and for this reason, the Mandarins persuaded the Chinese monarchs to destroy since the eunuchs would contaminate the territory. However, Portugal and Spain had already entered the Indian Ocean using their caravels and dominated the Indian Ocean (McAlister, 1984).

One aspect of the transatlantic slave trade that reveals the human cost is the slavery.  This means that European expansion was influenced by slaves that were brought from Africa and Asia.  The demand for labor was high since colonizing nations were dependent on the New World for sugar and coffee.  Thus, slave trade increased since about 12 million Africans were transported to work in the New World until in the 18th century when slave trade became illegal (Rawley & Behrendt, 2005).  In the New World, slaves experienced terrible conditions such as long working hours, physical abuse and more.

The abolition of slavery will have positive implications for human progress. First, there will be freedom and equality.  This means that all people will be treated equally and discrimination and racial prejudice will end as no one will rule over another.  The abolition will also cause social justice and human rights where all people will have access to civil rights, political rights, social rights and more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Rawley, J. A., & Behrendt, S. D. (2005). The transatlantic slave trade: A history. Lincoln: University of

Nebraska Press.

 

McAlister, L. N. (1984). Spain and Portugal in the New World, 1492-1700. Minneapolis: University of

Minnesota Press.

 

Stockwell, F. (2003). Westerners in China: A history of exploration and trade, ancient times through the

present. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Co. Publishers.