Chapter 312: The Age of Discovery
Ying Zheng had already arranged the matter of the steam engine, and he also knew about the Industrial Revolution, but there was still a question in his mind.
Immediately, Ying Zheng asked: "Qin An. Last time you mentioned two eras. One is the Industrial Age, and the other is the Age of Discovery.
We already know about the Industrial Age, but what about the Age of Discovery? "
Qin An smiled, then closed the notebook and said, "Get on the computer and fully charge it before using it. Let's go to the stone table and talk while drinking tea."
"Okay." Ying Zheng responded.
Then Qin An made everyone a cup of tea. This time they used purple clay pots. The purple clay pots Qin An gave them, including Qin An, everyone had a pot, and they took a sip when they had nothing to do. It was very delicious.
Qin An took a sip of tea and said, "It's a long story. Everyone knows that the earth under our feet is round."
"I didn't know before, but I know now, but what does that have to do with the Age of Discovery?" Ying Zheng asked.
"The relationship is huge. If the earth is not round, going to sea means returning to the end of the sky. Then who would be willing to go to sea." Qin An said.
"You are right." Ying Zheng said, "If the earth is not round, then we will reach the ends of the earth. As a result, people who go to sea may not be able to come back. No one is willing to do something that leads to a dead end."
"Father-in-law is right." Qin An responded, "In fact, the cause of the Age of Discovery has a lot to do with us in China."
"oh!"
Ying Zheng was slightly surprised, but at the same time he became interested and asked: "Tell me, what does it have to do with us in China?"
Qin An said: "This matter starts from the Yuan Dynasty. At the end of the Song Dynasty, a man named Temujin appeared in Mongolia. He created a miracle for all the kings of China. He not only defeated China, but also conquered Europe all the way. , allowing countless countries to become part of China."
"Is he that powerful?" Ying Zheng said in shock.
He boasted of unifying the six countries and achieving unparalleled achievements, creating unprecedented creations and unprecedented creations. But now a foreigner named Temujin appeared and not only unified China, but also invaded Europe.
With Qin An's world map and some understanding of the Song Dynasty.
As we know, during the Song Dynasty, the whole of China was also torn apart. There were Jin, Xia, Dali and other countries next to the Song Dynasty.
Genghis Khan's ability to defeat them shows that he has outstanding abilities, not to mention other countries in Europe and Asia.
Qin An nodded and said: "There are records in the history books, so I can't make it up. Later, his descendants established the Yuan Dynasty.
At that time, many people in Europe liked to explore, because adventure might bring them great benefits. This was how to gain wealth through danger.
Among them was Marco Polo, who led an adventurous team across Eurasia to the Yuan Dynasty, which is now China, and was warmly received by the emperor.
In the end, he sent many things to Marco Polo, and Marco Polo wrote down everything he saw and heard in China in his own records.
This book soon spread throughout Europe. After about two or three hundred years, some people went to explore the golden country mentioned by Marco Polo, which was China.
But it was difficult to travel by land, so some people thought of going by sea. As a result, many exploring ships appeared.
Portugal was the first to test the waters. Portugal is actually a small country, as big as our Zhejiang Province. "
Ying Zheng sneered: "What can such a small country do?"
Li Si also said disdainfully: "We can destroy such a small country however we want. It cannot be regarded as a country at all."
Others began to talk one after another, with disdain in their tone.
Because Qin An had given Ying Zheng a world map and a map of China, everyone already knew the current world structure, how many countries there were, etc.
However, the current world map is completely different from the current world structure of Da Qin, but it is still possible to compare the territory.
Qin An smiled and said: "Don't underestimate Portugal. Portugal at that time could be said to be the most powerful country in the world. The reason is that it had an invincible navy.
Please listen to me slowly. "
Immediately, Qin An took another sip of tea and said: "Although Portugal was the first to go to the sea to find the golden country mentioned by Marco Polo, which is our China.
Unfortunately, their technology was not good at the time, and the compass needle did not take them to China, but to the Cape of Good Hope in Africa.
Although the process was quite difficult and the destination was not right. But Portugal also discovered business opportunities in Africa.
They found gold mines, spices, and established many colonies here, which made them a small fortune. "
"Colony?" Ying Zheng was shocked, "How can such a small country establish a colony in such a huge country in Africa?"
Qin An said helplessly: "Who knew that many places in Africa at that time belonged to backward tribes, their way of life was hunting, and the weapons they used were stones.
At that time, Portugal had already used muskets. Although the muskets at that time were very rubbish, they were not very good compared with weapons made of stone.
Therefore, Portugal occupied many colonies, allowing the Portuguese royal family and nobles to make a lot of money.
From then on, he lived a life of dissipation and extravagance.
The second starting point is Spain, Portugal’s neighbor.
At that time, Spain saw Portugal go out for a tour and made a fortune. This made me feel itchy, so their fleet also set off.
Why can only you make a lot of wealth from the sea and not me? "
Ying Zheng nodded and said: "That's true. Such a good opportunity to make money. As long as the emperor of that country is not mentally ill, he will never miss such a good opportunity."
Everyone nodded.
Even if the emperor disagrees, they will do it themselves. This is an opportunity to strengthen their family's power.
Qin An smiled and said: "Yes, as long as your brain is not sick, you will choose to go to sea, so Spain also went to sea.
But going to sea is not that easy. Portugal owns the South African route, and he will never give up this route. As long as the Spanish ships dare to sail on the South African route, Portugal will dare to attack the Spanish ships.
So the Spaniards must find their own route.
Therefore, in 1492, Queen Isabella of Spain sent Columbus out to sea, hoping that he could find a route to the Indian Ocean. "
"Wait a minute." Ying Zheng said in shock, "You said queen, so the emperor of Spain is a woman?"
Others were also stunned. They had not focused on this just now. When Ying Zheng reminded them, they were also shocked.
Damn it, a woman can be an emperor.
Some people died, but not completely...
