Columbus, de Gama, and Zheng He! 15th Century Mariners. Crash Course World History

The video compares the maritime achievements of Christopher Columbus, Zheng He, and Vasco da Gama. It highlights Zheng He's impressive naval expeditions for China, Vasco da Gama's establishment of a Portuguese trading post empire, and Columbus's voyages that led to European colonization of the Americas. Despite Columbus's misconceptions, his journeys had a lasting global impact, unlike Zheng He's and Vasco da Gama's more regionally focused endeavors.

What were the key differences in the naval technology of the Chinese and the Portuguese during the 15th century?

How did the death of Zheng Ha and the Yangal Emperor affect maritime trade in China?

What were the myths surrounding Columbus's understanding of the world and his voyages?