World Cultures – Global Encounters

• Explain at least two (2) possible reasons for the differences between the results of exploration and trade by the Chinese and by the European states. Consider the reach of the Chinese Treasure Fleet and the global empires that Spain and Portugal established. Identify one (1) statistic or aspect of the transatlantic slave trade that you find most revealing about the human cost of European expansion into the New World. Slavery has been an accepted part of most societies covered in this course, though in the future most would seek its abolition. Discuss the implications of this for human progress.

References you can use:

• China’s Treasure Fleet  
• Chinese explorers at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/ancient-chinese-explorers.html and http://www.alrahalah.com/2010/09/zheng-he/
• Large ship replica: http://www.alrahalah.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/TreasureShip.jpg
• Transatlantic slave trade at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part1/1p277.html