World Trade Conquistadors

Imagine how different everything would be if the conquistadors had decided to set up trade with the inhabitants of the new world. But to lead up to this, a series of events had to occur after one other that leads to the age of exploration. World trade of the 15th century centered around the calm Indian Ocean, Europe being far away. Gold came from West Africa while silks came from East Asia. Genoa and Venice were the big trade empires connected to the reaches of the East. This fell apart when the Ottoman Turks seized Constantinople. They blocked off Europe from their direct trading routes. In addition to putting to use all the trade routes and systems they could, the Turks raised the high price of spices even higher. This was a huge setback …show more content…
Thanks to Christopher Columbus and his stories of vast treasures in the new world, many dropped everything at the mention. Indeed there were riches, even if most of it came from exploiting natives. Bartolome de Las Casas’ comments on this issue. “All the gold and silver, pearls and other riches, brought to Spain and traded among Spaniards in the New World—all is stolen, save perhaps a little that came from the islands and places we have already depopulated.” This excerpt not only proves that there were many resources but also that all of it was pinched. The craze for gold got so out of hand that many conquistadors forced the Indians to harvest gold for them. And if they did not bring back enough, their hands severed as punishment. It is safe to say that gold drove the Spaniards mad. The foremost contributor to these explorations was that everyone wanted to get rich. What would be the point of sailing across dangerous waters if the reward did not include …show more content…
This does not come as much of a surprise, this glory came from conquering natives and discovering riches. The renowned Christopher Columbus is a good example. He writes the introduction of his journal in a boastful tone. “Your Highnesses decided to send me, Christopher Columbus, to see these parts of India and the princes and peoples of those lands and consider the best means for their conversion.” Many men sailed to the New World in search of new land where they could gain personal glory from discovery. It was part of the culture of that time to be obsessed with glory that one could get from great achievements. When explorers obtained land they did it “on the part of [their] king.” This specific quote is from a proclamation read to any natives the Spaniards met. In the name of glory, men will do almost anything. From unspeakable acts to the perseverance needed to sail for months on end. Glory is a powerful