Question

Spain and England were the first two countries to have explorers circumnavigate the globe. Spain accomplished the first voyage around the world under the leadership of Ferdinand Magellan in 1522. The English voyage, led by Sir Francis Drake, was completed in 1580 (Drake’s expedition was actually the third to circumnavigate the earth as another Spanish crew had completed the journey in the interim). This essay assignment provides you with the opportunity to read about and study firsthand accounts of these incredible voyages in an effort to understand the great changes taking place during this period of history.

Answer 1

Spain and England were the first two countries to send explorers to circumnavigate the globe. In 1592, Spain accomplish the first voyage with Ferdinand Magellan leading the expedition. The English completed their voyage in 1580, led by Sir Francis Drake. One of the most important aspects of a long voyage is acquiring provisions and freshwater. This often requires interaction with peoples that inhabit the areas along the way. According to the accounts described in Ferdinand Magellan’s Voyage Round the World, 1519-1522 and Sir Francis Drake’s Famous Voyage Round the World, 1580, the two explorers took similar routes, their encounters with these people were very different.

Both of the expeditions used the resources of the land and sea to provide food and freshwater for their people. Along the coast of South America, Magellan and his crew were able to catch many “sea-wolves” (seals) and birds. As they continued farther south along the coast, they found rivers that they could enter. Here they caught fish and acquired fresh water.

Drake’s expedition headed south along the coast of Africa. It was in this area that the crew were able to catch a quantity of fish including dolphins, bonitos and flying fishes. After crossing over to the South American coast, they were also able to capture seals and waterfowl. Harbors provided them with fish and fresh water. They enjoyed sweet grapes and coconuts along this area.

Both of the expeditions were able to use as much of the natural resources as they could, but eventually they both had to come into interaction with the peoples they met along the way to restock their provisions. Magellan and his crew made many stops along the way on the South American border. They encountered the people there and although the text doesn't provide a lot of detail regarding their transactions, it is likely that they traded with the people they met. When they reach the Philippines, there was quite a different experience. Magellan was insisting that the people convert to Christianity, and not all of them were willing. He demanded goats, pigs, rice and other provisions be sent to him and when they refused, he started a fight. This is where Magellan was killed. After the remaining members of the expedition sailed away, they encountered more inhabitant of the areas and traded with them for rice, goats and pigs.

Drake’s expedition started off well. Off the coast of Africa, they were able to trade with the people they met, acquiring sheep, capons, and hens in exchange for linen cloth and shoes. After crossing over to the South American coast, they encountered peoples who traded with them, until they were near the island called La Mocha. At

first the people traded with them, bringing potatoes, root vegetables and sheep. But the next day, they were mistaken for Spaniards and some of the crew were killed. It was at this point that Drake’s expedition became almost pirate like. They boarded other ships that they encountered and took what they found: silver, gold, wine, jewels, precious stones, fine china. It wasn't until they finally reach the coast of North America that they came into contact with friendly people. They traded with them and they were treated very well. They travelled inland and found large herds of deer. The Spanish had not been to this area of North America and so the people did not have any will ill towards the visitors. Sir Drake claimed the land for her Majesty.

Drake was treated differently by some of the people he encountered because they already had had experiences with the Spaniards. Then he became almost pirate like was a surprise. Ferdinand Megellan and Sir Francis Drake had similar experiences in their excursions around the world. They encountered peoples of foreign lands, and had some good experiences and some not so good. Drake was definitely at a disadvantage because the Spanish had left a bad impression with a lot of people that they met. It turned his almost pirate-like, and he and his crew looted plenty of other ships. His ending was certainly better though - Megellan was killed in the Phillipines. Drake sailed close to the North American coast and had a great experience with the people he met in the northern California area. Although Megellan paved the way, Drake probably had the better experience travelling the world.