Study On The Manila Galleon Trade

The period between the end of 1400 s and the beginning of 1500 s is the era of tremendous development of the Western European commercial capitalism as well as the era of opening of new sea route. With the instruction of mercantilism, the Spanish royal family supported Columbus to make westward voyage and then the America was discovered. Afterwards the Spanish colonizer built up the huge empire through conquest and expansion of the American colony.The Spanish suzerain enforced the policy of trade monopoly in colonies in order to deprive gold, silver and precious metals of the Latin American colonies. Also for the purpose of royal family’s public revenue, the Spanish suzerain controlled the colonial trade strictly. Although the Spanish royal family dreamed to establish a colonial empire through the Pacific Ocean, according to the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494, how to cross the Pacific Ocean from west to east became the biggest problem. After several expeditions, Spain finally opened up the Manila galleon trade route, also known as the marine trade route between Acapulco, New Spanish to Manila, Philippines. The discovery of this route not only maintained Spanish rule in the Philippines, but also made the trade and goods exchange possible between the America and Asia through the Pacific Ocean. What is more, it contributed to the cultural communication among regions, linked four continents-Asia, Africa, Europe, as well as America-together, and finally brought the sea route unimpeded to the reality. Accordingly, the Manila galleon trade played a significant role in the process of promoting the economic globalization. Also it made profound improvement for the communication among related countries and regions in the field of economy, culture and technology and so on.The Spanish royal family dissatisfied with the enormous silver outflow from Latin America caused by large amount of goods attractive both in price and quality from China to Latin America, which are well received by Latin Americans. After the end of 16 th century, series of system policies that blocked the trade development had been enacted. Meanwhile, in the 17 th century, the rising of Britain, France, Dutch and other countries was challenging Spanish marine trade. And with the decline of the Spanish empire, the Manila galleon trade vanished from the history.Through the investigation of Manila galleon trade’s history, its important historical role of promoting the formation of Pacific trade network can be clearly identified. The Manila galleon trade is also beneficial for trade cooperation, cultural and technical communication as well as the economic co-prosperity among related countries and regions. Meanwhile it provides China’s strategic conception “One Belt and One Road” policy with beneficial cases.