01/15 Chapter 13

It was super interesting to learn that one of the huge imperial advantages for the Europeans was that the winds blew towards the Americas, where they were hoping to expand. Contrary to this, in Asia the winds were unpredictable especially because of the monsoons that came from the Indian Ocean, which made Asian imperialism much more of a challenge. Also was surprised to learn that Asia was not very motivated to expand as their markets were so diverse and rich that they were content with where they were! Totally contrasts what was going on in Europe at the time. It only logically made sense then that the Europeans looked for direct access to the wealth and prosperity that was in Asia. 

I love that Strayer consistently makes it a point to reference what the minorities were doing at every period in time, in every chapter. He mentions in this chapter that many persecuted minorities saw the conquering of the Americas as an amazing opportunity to start a new life and to become wealthy. 

Couple of other notes on Europe’s advantages when it came to imperialism and conquering the Americas:

  • Advantage of the wind blowing towards the Americas (they didn’t have to deal with the winds and imminent monsoons like Asia did because of the Indian Ocean)
  • huge European innovations when it came to maps, navigation and sailing techniques (constant development in technology)
  • “effective mobilization of both human and material resources” (Strayer 557)
  • ironworking technology and GUNPOWDER
  • germs and disease that the Europeans had developed immunity to instantly eradicated huge Native American populations since they had no familiarity or immunity 

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