Does Size Matter?

So, after reading chapter twelve, I would like to discuss the section in which Strayer wrote about the difference in sizes of fleets between China and Europe. All through elementary school we hear about "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue!" as it was the greatest voyage ever! But, obviously not! because the Chinese had a fleet of more than one hundred ships, and a crew within the thousands! Now, that's an amazing voyage! Forget the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria...Zheng He got this!

I mean, it just goes back to my usual problem with most history texts: "Blah blah blah, white men are awesome, blah blah blah, everyone else sucks," it really gets sickening. So, Strayer really does a nice job of trying to set it up evenly.

But wait wait wait! Let's go back to the title of this blog: Does Size Matter? Well, apparently not. Because the Europeans conquered much that they intended on doing so, as well as taking over the commerce and trade of the Indian Ocean. Zheng He basically bailed on all of China's voyages. They didn't have a point in which to accomplish through sailing the ocean blue (they felt they were awesome enough, and didn't need to boast anymore...if people wanted to share some more awesomeness with them, they will come). So, the Europeans swooped...and swooped they did! Because Europeans are notorious for fluffing their feathers. I think we all know how most of that ended up. We're here, aren't we?

The Europeans had this burning desire to spread, and push their Christianity onto the rest of the world, so they did. But staying true to present day politics, they also went into Asia and Africa for riches! Not oil this time, but spices, gold, silk, and much, much more! Yes, religion and money! White man's two favorite things. Why? Because that means power! We all know this, I am not writing anything revolutionary, innovative, nor demonstrating higher intelligence...I am stating the obvious because it is astonishing how very much history keeps repeating itself...over and over and over again.

Happy Thanksgiving!! ;)