Manila galleon

Quick Facts: Who was Manila galleon?

Subject:

Manila galleon

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Spanish trade route linking the Philippines and Mexico across the Pacific Ocean (1565–1815).

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Manila galleon trade route was a Spanish trade route linking the Philippines in the Spanish East Indies to Mexico (New Spain), across the Pacific Ocean, in use from 1565 to 1815. This route was plied by sailing ships or galleons i.e. the Manila galleons (Spanish: Galeón de Manila; Tagalog: Galeon ng Maynila) that made one or two round-trip voyages per year between Manila and Acapulco. The route was inaugurated in 1565 after the Augustinian friar and navigator Andrés de Urdaneta pioneered the tornaviaje or return route from the Philippines to Mexico. Urdaneta and Alonso de Arellano made the first successful round trips that year, by taking advantage of the Kuroshio Current. The galleons set sail from Cavite, in Manila Bay, at the end of June or the first week of July, sailing through the northern Pacific and reaching Acapulco in March to April of the next calendar year.

Career & Major Achievements

The return route from Acapulco passes through lower latitudes closer to the equator, stopping over in the Marianas, then sailing onwards through the San Bernardino Strait off Cape Espiritu Santo in Samar and then to Manila Bay and anchoring again off Cavite by June or July. The trade using "Urdaneta's route" lasted until 1815, when the Mexican War of Independence broke out. The majority of these galleons were built and loaded in shipyards in Cavite, utilizing native hardwoods like the Philippine teak, with sails produced in Ilocos, and with the rigging and cordage made from salt-resistant Manila hemp. The vast majority of the galleon's crew consisted of Filipino natives; many of whom were farmers, street children, or vagrants press-ganged into service as sailors. The officers and other skilled crew were usually Spaniards (a high percentage of whom were of Basque descent).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The galleons were state vessels and thus the cost of their construction and upkeep was borne by the Spanish Crown. The galleons mostly carried cargoes of Chinese and other Asian luxury goods in exchange for New World silver. Silver prices in Asia were substantially higher than in America, leading to an arbitrage opportunity for the Manila galleon. Every space of the galleons was packed tightly with cargo, even spaces outside the holds like the decks, cabins, and magazines. In extreme cases, they towed barges filled with more goods.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1565: 1565 Milestone — The Manila galleon trade route was a Spanish trade route linking the Philippines in the Spanish East Indies to Mexico (New Spain), across the Pacific Ocean, in use from 1565 to 1815.
2. 1815: 1815 Milestone — The trade using "Urdaneta's route" lasted until 1815, when the Mexican War of Independence broke out.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Manila galleon

True or False: “The Manila galleon trade route was solely dependent on prevailing easterly winds for its entire journey.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The return voyage from Acapulco utilized lower latitudes closer to the equator, while the initial passage relied on catching westerlies.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ashikaga Yoshiteru — Historical peer (Died in 1565) (1565): The 13th Shogun who struggled to maintain authority during Japan's tumultuous late Muromachi period.
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• Ada Lovelace — Historical peer (Born in 1815) (1815): Pioneering mathematician recognized as the first computer programmer.
• Adolph Menzel — Historical peer (Born in 1815) (1815): Pioneering German Realist master, celebrated for his detailed etchings and genre scenes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Manila galleon