Case Study: The Magnetic Compass
Tilly Behrmann & Srivi Vishnubhotla
Shown above is a compass, dating back to the Han Dynasty. Through the widespread use of the compass, oceanic navigation was made possible, launching the world into an era of exploration and economic revolution.
Overview: The Compass and Trade
The compass, believed to possess Chinese origins, was a momentous innovation, contributing to the accessibility of navigation, and spurring notions for exploration, and ultimately, trade. Though the uses of the primitive Chinese compass were primarily ritualistic in origin (Chinese soothsayers found that rubbing a piece of steel against lodestone caused the steel to become magnetized and orientate itself in a North/South alignment), between the years of 850 C.E. and 1050 C.E., the magnetic compass could be seen aboard Chinese naval vessels, serving the purpose as a simple indicator of direction. Eventually, the Islamic Empire discovered the Chinese invention, and through European and Arab interaction throughout the Crusades, it is predicted that this tool was passed along to Christendom.
Throughout the Age of Exploration, the use of the compass was apparent on both Chinese and European ventures. For instance, Zheng He utilized the compass on his seven oceanic voyages between the years of 1405 and 1433 (after these years, the use of the magnetic compass in China largely diminished, as exploration and naval voyages were halted). The use of the compass could also be seen in European exploratory voyages, most notably, Columbus' expedition to the Americas. The resulting development was an era of colonization, marked by European economic growth, and the resulting concept of trade.
Throughout the Age of Exploration, the use of the compass was apparent on both Chinese and European ventures. For instance, Zheng He utilized the compass on his seven oceanic voyages between the years of 1405 and 1433 (after these years, the use of the magnetic compass in China largely diminished, as exploration and naval voyages were halted). The use of the compass could also be seen in European exploratory voyages, most notably, Columbus' expedition to the Americas. The resulting development was an era of colonization, marked by European economic growth, and the resulting concept of trade.
Zheng He and the Compass
In 1405, Zheng He of the Ming Dynasty launched a series of seven naval expeditions that dwarfed all other previous explorations of the same nature. These seven expeditions, which accommodated over 300 ships and over 25,000 men, led the Chinese explorer through the Strait of Malacca, to India, around the Arabian Peninsula, and ultimately, to Africa's Swahili coast. Throughout his travels, Zheng He stood as a symbol of Chinese influence, promoting the tribute system, and establishing a level of foreign diplomacy.
The main navigational tool Zheng He used in his voyages was the compass, in accordance with astronomical navigational charts. Zheng He most notably used a "wet compass"; a magnetized needle would float in a circular basin of water, and 24 navigational points would be marked on the outer rim. This technology allowed Chinese fleets to have a more exact sense of direction when sailing throughout the Indian Ocean The Imperial Ming Dynasty unifying seas and continents, surpassing the three dynasties even goes beyond the Han and Tang dynasties. The countries beyond the horizon and from the ends of the earth have all become subjects and to the most western of the western or the most northern of the northern countries, however far they may be, the distance and the routes may be calculated. Thus the barbarians from beyond the seas, though their countries are truly distant, "with double translation" have come to audience bearing precious objects and presents. In this passage, taken from a 1431 inscription in a Fujian Temple, one can examine the magnitude of what the Ming Dynasty believed to be the greatest navigational feat of the age. Such phrases as "the ends of the earth" and "most western of the western or the most northern of the northern", showcase not only the role of direction and navigation in the fleet's expeditions, but the superior, almost arrogant, attitude that the Chinese possessed towards this ability. Also, seen in this passage is the role that the expeditions played in the Ming culture. Rather than focusing on the possibility of trade, the passage indicates the inferiority of foreign peoples, referring to them as "barbarians", and frequently refers to the Tribute system, through the garnering of "subjects" and the exchanging of "precious objects and presents." Thus, the extent to which the Chinese used the magnetic compass was very limited. This is further proved by the official decree to end China's era of global exploration, which occurred after Zheng He's seventh expedition, therefore, solidifying China's role as an isolated, non-maritime nation. The European's and the Compass
 Seen above are Columbus' four voyages. By using the process of dead reckoning, Columbus was able to start the trend of European colonization. This marked a momentous shift in the European economy and European power.
As Europe began to take part in the global exchange of ideas and goods, like the Chinese, the compass became an important innovation in ensuring complex naval travel. Columbus' trans-Atlantic travels serve as significant examples of the long-standing impacts of the magnetic compass on Europe's economy.
The first instances of Europeans using the magnetic compass occurred in relatively domestic waters (the Mediterranean Sea and the English Channel). Here, trade became easier and more efficient, as sailors and merchants could more easily navigate through large bodies of water. However, Columbus' East-Indies-bound expedition marked a greater accomplishment through the use of the compass. By using the process of "dead reckoning" (establishing a fixed point and gradually gauging direction through the use of a magnetic compass), Columbus came upon the Americas. After the discovery of the Americas, Columbus continued to make three more expeditions, again using the process of dead reckoning. Columbus' journeys marked the beginning of European colonization in the Americas. As Europe continued to grow as a maritime nation (exploration became easier and more economical than land travel, all as a result of the magnetic compass), colonized port cities began to appear along the coasts of Africa and the Indian Ocean. Sea-bordering nations, such as England, Spain, and Portugal began to thrive, as their locations were prime for sea-based trade and activity. These nations continued to colonize, and eventually, the culture of colonization and trade evolved into such developments as the Colombian slave trade. |
Shown above are several of Zheng He's expeditions. As can be inferred by the breadth and complexity of the routes, the magnetic compass gave the Chinese the ability to master navigation.
Seen here is a magnetic compass. In addition to this style of compass, Zheng He's fleets also utilized the "wet compass". This advanced form of the compass allowed Zheng He to calculate precise directions. Despite this naval expertise however, the compass's impact was limited, as exploration was ceased after Zheng He's last expedition.
As can be seen by this map, by 1750, trans-oceanic routes dominated European trade. The navigation involved in this undertaking, as well as the culture of colonization that was needed to make this trade possible, was brought about by the availability of the magnetic compass.
"...Arrived on shore, they saw trees very green many streams of water, and diverse sorts of fruits. The Admiral called upon the two Captains, and the rest of the crew who landed, as also to Rodrigo de Escovedo notary of the fleet, and Rodrigo Sanchez, of Segovia, to bear witness that he before all others took possession (as in fact he did) of that island for the King and Queen his sovereigns, making the requisite declarations, which are more at large set down here in writing. Numbers of the people of the island straightway collected together. Here follow the precise words of the Admiral: "As I saw that they were very friendly to us, and perceived that they could be much more easily converted to our holy faith by gentle means than by force, I presented them with some red caps, and strings of beads to wear upon the neck, and many other trifles of small value, wherewith they were much delighted, and became wonderfully attached to us. Afterwards they came swimming to the boats, bringing parrots, balls of cotton thread, javelins, and many other things which they exchanged for articles we gave them, such as glass beads, and hawk's bells; which trade was carried on with the utmost good will. But they seemed on the whole to me, to be a very poor people. They all go completely naked, even the women, though I saw but one girl. All whom I saw were young, not above thirty years of age, well made, with fine shapes and faces; their hair short, and coarse like that of a horse's tail, combed toward the forehead, except a small portion which they suffer to hang down behind, and never cut. Some paint themselves with black, which makes them appear like those of the Canaries, neither black nor white; others with white, others with red, and others with such colors as they can find. Some paint the face, and some the whole body; others only the eyes, and others the nose. Weapons they have none, nor are acquainted with them, for I showed them swords which they grasped by the blades, and cut themselves through ignorance. They have no iron, their javelins being without it, and nothing more than sticks, though some have fish-bones or other things at the ends. They are all of a good size and stature, and handsomely formed. I saw some with scars of wounds upon their bodies, and demanded by signs the of them; they answered me in the same way, that there came people from the other islands in the neighborhood who endeavored to make prisoners of them, and they defended themselves. I thought then, and still believe, that these were from the continent. It appears to me, that the people are ingenious, and would be good servants and I am of opinion that they would very readily become Christians, as they appear to have no religion. They very quickly learn such words as are spoken to them. If it please our Lord, I intend at my return to carry home six of them to your Highnesses, that they may learn our language. I saw no beasts in the island, nor any sort of animals except parrots." These are the words of the Admiral."
This passage, taken from Columbus' journal entry upon first arriving upon the shores of the Americas, foreshadows Europe's soon-to-be economic dominance through colonization. Immediately, Columbus takes note of the native people's lack of weaponry, as well as the potential of the natives to be "good servants". Also mentioned is the motif of Christianity, and the wish to convert the natives. These points, two fueling aspects in Europe's economic conquests in achieving trade, were brought about by the augmented ability to navigate, which was a result from the magnetic compass's widespread use. Thus, the magnetic compass was a defining force in what became the European economy.
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What's the Big Deal?
By comparing the Chinese use of the compass and the European use of the compass, an individual may notice two great differences: the purpose the compass served and whether or not the compass served a longstanding use in the region. In the case of China, the compass served expendable purposes, and was deemed obsolete, much like the concept of foreign exploration and trade. In Europe, on the other hand, the compass's served as an irreplaceable means of navigation, fueling the European economy. Unlike China, the purpose of the compass never became obsolete, as Europe continued to expand outward, in the name of conquest, curiosity, and necessity. Perhaps, this factor is what fueled Europe forward and held China back.
With this discovery, there exists a series of prominent continuities and changes that are apparent throughout time. As implied before, one main change is the role reversal of China and Europe. While China existed as the significant world power in medieval times, because of Europe's continued culture of exploration, trade, and will to grow economically, in contrast with China's eventual turn towards complacency and isolation, Europe ultimately overtook China as a world power.
Contrarily, through the use of the magnetic compass, the continuities of mankind's reliance upon technology, and the beneficial nature of trade are illustrated. The feats of trans-oceanic expedition would have been rendered impossible without the compass. Mankind could not have navigated such large bodies of water without the required sense of direction that the compass provided. And with this innovation came a great deal of exploration, and in the end, trade. By trading, Europe was allowed to garner resources and wealth, which the area was void of during the Dark Ages. This allowed Europe to expand its cultural influence and become the major world power it is today. Compare this to China's fate; after years of isolation, and the lack of trade that came as a result, economic growth and prosperity fell to stagnation.
With this discovery, there exists a series of prominent continuities and changes that are apparent throughout time. As implied before, one main change is the role reversal of China and Europe. While China existed as the significant world power in medieval times, because of Europe's continued culture of exploration, trade, and will to grow economically, in contrast with China's eventual turn towards complacency and isolation, Europe ultimately overtook China as a world power.
Contrarily, through the use of the magnetic compass, the continuities of mankind's reliance upon technology, and the beneficial nature of trade are illustrated. The feats of trans-oceanic expedition would have been rendered impossible without the compass. Mankind could not have navigated such large bodies of water without the required sense of direction that the compass provided. And with this innovation came a great deal of exploration, and in the end, trade. By trading, Europe was allowed to garner resources and wealth, which the area was void of during the Dark Ages. This allowed Europe to expand its cultural influence and become the major world power it is today. Compare this to China's fate; after years of isolation, and the lack of trade that came as a result, economic growth and prosperity fell to stagnation.
Citations
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"Medieval Sourcebook: Christopher Columbus: Extracts from Journal." Internet History Sourcebooks Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2013.
"Welcome to the Columbus Day Site!" Columbus Day. N.p., 08 Feb. 2013. Web. 08 Feb. 2013.
"Zheng He Documents." Zheng He Documents. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2013.
"Zheng He's Sailing to West Ocean." Coordinates : A Resource on Positioning, Navigation and beyond » Blog Archive ». N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2013.
"Mariner's Compass - Wh 11 Sem1: Age of Exploration FGLN." Mariner's Compass - Wh 11 Sem1: Age of Exploration FGLN. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2013.
"Medieval Sourcebook: Christopher Columbus: Extracts from Journal." Internet History Sourcebooks Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2013.
"Welcome to the Columbus Day Site!" Columbus Day. N.p., 08 Feb. 2013. Web. 08 Feb. 2013.
"Zheng He Documents." Zheng He Documents. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2013.
"Zheng He's Sailing to West Ocean." Coordinates : A Resource on Positioning, Navigation and beyond » Blog Archive ». N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2013.
