European Commercial Expansion in Early Modern Asia

Introduction to European-Asian Trade

Regular commercial contacts between Europe and Asia date back to at least the early years of the Christian era, but the pattern of trade underwent a structural modification following the Portuguese discovery of a route to the East Indies via the Cape of Good Hope.

Impact of European Arrival

This volume illustrates the consequences of the arrival of large numbers of Europeans in the East. Europeans both participated in, modified, and exploited existing trade relationships in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific.

Environmental and Political Responses

The studies reprinted here show how some environments, such as Japan, were hostile, whilst most states welcomed the European commercial contact.

Economic Implications

The necessity for Europeans to pay for Asian goods using precious metals is emphasised by the inclusion of articles in monetary transfers in Asian trade, a phenomenon which provides a link between economic developments in the Americas and those in Asia from the 16th century onwards.