Who Was the Greatest Mariner of the 15th Century?

CrashCourse

This fast-paced World History video compares and contrasts three major 15th-century mariners: China's Zheng He, Portugal's Vasco da Gama, and Spain's Christopher Columbus. It moves beyond the traditional Eurocentric narrative of exploration to examine the massive scale of Chinese naval expeditions and the aggressive trading tactics of the Portuguese in the Indian Ocean. The host, John Green, deconstructs common myths surrounding these figures, particularly focusing on the technological disparities between their fleets and their differing motivations—ranging from imperial prestige to religious zeal and economic extortion. The video explores key historical themes such as the 'Tribute System' of the Ming Dynasty, the concept of a 'Trading Post Empire' established by the Portuguese, and the misconceptions regarding Columbus's navigational skills and beliefs. It provides a detailed look at maritime technology, contrasting the gigantic Chinese treasure ships with the modest European vessels, and explains the geopolitical shifts that led nations to either embrace or abandon naval exploration. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent tool for teaching comparative history and critical thinking. It encourages students to evaluate historical "greatness" through different lenses—administrative competence, navigational daring, or long-term historical impact. The video is particularly useful for units on the Age of Exploration, Global Trade Networks, and the shift from regional to global history.