Compare and Contrast the Political Effects of European Expansion in Both Africa and East Asia Between 1450 and 1650

Compare and contrast Essay

European expansion in both Africa and East Asia between 1450 and 1650 had a political impact in the two regions. While European expansion had a different political impact on the strength of alliances and political ties the expansion had a similar impact on the government changes that took place.

A difference the political impact of European expansion had on Africa and East Asia was the strength of the political ties. For example in Africa trading which was largely slave trade brought many Europeans over to Africa where the two groups would exchange goods. This strong trade connection brought very close ties between Africa and Europe which heightened the good feelings between the kingdoms and countries, whereas in Japan for example, trading was limited to one port with only a few groups even permitted to trade their goods there. This limitation and suppression of European trade and presence in the country lead Europeans to ignore Japan and not create any ties with them letting Japan grow up in isolation with no close personal relations with any country. Also Christian missionaries that settled in Africa and East Asia due to European expansion had a political impact on ties between nations. The missionaries in East Asia and Africa began to convert people however in East Asia the government persecuted Christians and wanted all Europeans and their influences out of the country which led to such reforms as the closed country policy which did just that. These policies isolated Japan further and were created by the shogun in an effort to keep Japanese ideas and beliefs pure because he didn't like how these new ideas scorned traditional Japanese beliefs and sometimes involved themselves with politics. However they unfortunately broke off almost all political ties to Europe. In Africa, the governments of the kingdoms and nation accepted Christianity and let it spread with rulers like Nzinga Mvemba of Kongo converting. Now with more basic values and beliefs in common as well as the native Africans not seeming so odd and barbaric they had very tight connections with European advisors on African courts and the exchange of ambassadors. The Europeans and Africans had formed very close political ties.

In comparison, European expansion had a similar political impact on government and ruling changes that took place in Africa and East Asia. Trade in East Asia as well as in Africa with

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