This book explores cross-cultural encounters in the context of exploration, migration, and trade across the world's oceans. From the early migrations of Austronesian peoples to the increasing globalization of recent centuries, it examines trans-oceanic communication and exchange as a major motor of transformation in World History, providing readers with better appreciation of how oceans connect human societies, rather than separate them.

Buschmann (California State U., Channel Islands) intends this short work as a complementary text for introductory world history and maritime history courses. In four chapters, he explores the role played by maritime exploration, trade, and travel in the interconnection of formerly isolated societies. The first three chapters discuss topics reaching to antiquity including the early oceanic migrations of Austronesian peoples, the making of an Indian Ocean commercial and cultural world, and the creation of interacting Atlantic and Pacific webs in the context of European maritime expansion. The final chapter describes the role of oceans in globalization since 1800. The introduction and four chapters all include a timeline of key events in both human and geological history. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Note from the Series Editors

Preface

Introduction: Oceans and World History

The Big History of Oceans

The Historical Long-Term Cycles of Oceans

Chapter 1: The Indian Ocean: A First Maritime Crossroads

Introduction

The Indian Ocean in Antiquity

Religious Exchanges in the Indian Ocean: Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism

China and the Indian Ocean Exchange

The Expansion of Islam in the Indian Ocean

Islam and East Africa

Islam and Southeast Asia

Cosmopolitan Travelers and the Indian Ocean

Chinese and Iberian Ventures in the Indian Ocean

Conclusion

Chapter 2: Cultural and Biological Exchanges in the Atlantic Ocean

Introduction

The Complexities of Navigation: Mastering Atlantic Winds and Currents

Columbian Exchanges

Diseases

Power

Animals and Plants

African Migrations to the Americas

Transatlantic Revolutions

North America

France and Haiti

South America

Conclusion

Chapter 3: Exploring Exchanges in the Pacific Ocean

Introduction

Original Settlement of the Pacific Islands

Traditional Navigation and Social Organization

A “Spanish Lake”: Iberian Journeys to the Pacific Ocean

Linking Asia to the Pacific: Insular Southeast Asia

Linking Asia to the Pacific: The East Asia Connection

Geographic Imaginations: Unknown Continents in the Pacific

Encounters

Tahiti and Hawaii

China

Conclusion

Chapter 4: Sea Power Unleashed: The Worlds Oceans 1800–2000

Introduction

Technological Changes: Steam Ships

Oceans and Empires

Conquests

Canals

Sea Power Ideologies and Maritime Warfare

Ocean Liners: From Immigration to Tourism

Transoceanic Identities

International Womens Movement

Workers Internationals

Pan-Africanism

Shipping Transformations: Oil Tankers and Container Ships

Mineral Wealth and the Law of the Sea

Environmental Concerns

Conclusion