>Mandelbaum Verlag

SEAFARING AND THE EARLY EUROPEAN EXPANSION

Spreading from the mediterranean region and the northwestern Atlantic, the european naval powers - first of all Portugal and Spain - found their way across the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean and the Pacific, thereby changing the local market- and power structures strongly. Now, regions like India, China and Japan could be reached directly by sea routes.

This expansion of Europe was achieved by the only available transport device: ships. In the course of the Middle Ages, step by step oceangoing ships were developed. These ships would, in the course of history, be the means by which european culture - including armed forces, traders and clergymen - was brought overseas and by which, ultimately, the area of european dominion was ushered in. The same ships on their way back, brought demanded, exotic goods to Europe. With no doubt, the role of ships was crucial, concerning the development and influence of Europe during the Early Modern Times.

This book provides an overlook to maritime shipping and helps getting a grasp on what "Europeanization" really means.