First Contacts - Europe and Asia

South Africa's First Contacts with Europe and Asia

South Africa has been full of immigration for years. The instigation for the Europeans meeting South Africa was while discovering a trade route to India. [1] In 1488, Bartolomeu Dias of Portugal was the first European to explore the coast of South Africa. [2] From the years 1780-1795, Colonel Robert Jacob Gordon was the first European to explore the land of South Africa. [3] Gordon wrote journals about his expeditions, creating a great primary resource. [4]

The Europeans expanded their territory by taking over what they called “Cape Colony” (see map above) where they lived along with several thousand slaves. [5] They were saving it from being taken by the French. [6] Ultimately, they wanted the location because of the beneficial port it offered for trade. [7]

The discovery of natural resources such as gold and diamonds led to trade and exploration in South Africa among many nations besides European and Asian ones. [8]

As mentioned in a previous blog, the Europeans brought the Christian religion to South Africa. It is not clearly stated anywhere as to if the Asians brought any type of religion to South Africa.

Asia does not have as large of a history in South Africa as the Europeans obtain. The Asian community meeting South Africa was instigated by political reasons in more recent years. [9] China has the second largest economy and saw South Africa as a great place to help since it is a part of the poorest continent. [10] China supported South Africa as they joined BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) which is an international organization that helps growing market and business places. [11]

Overall, the development for the sides of all three (South Africa, Europe, and Asia) turned out to be successful. It produced trade, stability, and growth. It brought political establishments and expansions. There were hardships throughout the years and arguments held but overall, the contact between the different nations helped strengthen each other in many ways.

Bibliography

[1] "History of South Africa." Wikipedia. Accessed June 11, 2015. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_South_Africa#European_exploration.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ibid.

[8] "History of South Africa." Wikipedia. Accessed June 11, 2015. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_South_Africa#European_exploration.

[9] Park, Yoon. "Living In Between: The Chinese in South Africa." Migrationpolicy.org. January 4, 2012. Accessed June 12, 2015. http://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/living-between-chinese-south-africa.

[10] Ibid.

[11] Ibid.

Image #1: South Africa in the 19^th Century. Accessed June 12, 2015. http://courses.wcupa.edu/jones/his312/maps/safr1870.jpg.