Research
The Proposed Institute for the Indies at San Francisco State intends to use multiple media to share informatnion and data from across the world with our colleagues. We are interested primarily in the Early Modern Period (1450-1850) with any civilization which had interaction with the West.
Among the questions we intend to investigate are how the countries who were stronger in terms of trade and influence got there, and how great empires were forged and lost. This is the story of the Age of Sail, but from the perspectives of the enoucntering and encountered.
Under Construction
Asia-Pacific
The Pacific Ocean, Indian Subcontinent, and Asia were destinations of the European voyages of Discovery and the site of many conflicts. The wealth of the Spice Trade and the riches of the Silk Road were sufficient to push Europeans to try to bypass the Arabian pennuinsula and the traditional land route, essentially sailing into the unknown.
The Institute for the Indies will post research opportunities that we are sponsoring as they become available.
Under Construction
Africa
The opening moves of the Age of Fighting Sail took place along the Ivory Coast. In addition to gold, salt, and ivory, Africa was the starting point for generations kept in bondage to work the sugar plantations of the Carribean, cotton and tobacco fields of the American Deep South. Through their blood, tears, and sweat, the vast plantation systems would not have been possible.
The Institute for the Indies will post research opportunities that we are sponsoring as they become available.
Under Construction
Asia Minor-Europe
Asia Minor was one end of the Silk Road, from which the European nations sought the riches of the Far East.
Europe was the stage of intense rivalry as each nation fought with each other for trade and military supremecy.
The Institute for the Indies will post research opportunities that we are sponsoring as they become available.
Under Construction
North America & the Carribean
North America was the scene of much competition from the Dutch, English, French and Spanish.
The Carribean, starting with Hispanola, was where Colombus first planted the Spanish ensign.
Under Construction
South & Central America
Predominanly disputed between the Spanish and Portugeuse. Its treasures were used to finance their Euproean home governments' expansion.