Answer the questions that are posted in TeacherWeb Handouts. Remember you must respond to the Blog at least twice (your own analysis and a response to a classmate's analysis).
Prompt: What is Lynda Shaffer's thesis? Is her analysis valid? Why or why not? Please be specific by providing evidence to support your opinion.
Southernization Essay
Southernization Essay
“Southernization”
Directions:
Read the article by Linda Shaffer and respond in writing with specific
references- use quotes and be prepared to discuss in class.
- What
is Ms. Shaffer’s thesis in the article?
- What
does she (the author) mean by “Southernization”?
- How
is the “South” defined in her article?
- List
the ideas and inventions, as well as the agricultural, mineral, and
manufactured products that she associates with “Southernization.”
- What
places were the ideas, agriculture, minerals, and manufactured products
associated with?
- What
were the major contributions of Indians, Malays, Chinese, and Arabs to
hemispheric development?
- According
Shaffer, what role did the Arabs and Mongols play in the spread of
“Southernization”?
- Why
does she say that northwestern Europeans were most fully participating in
the “Southernization” process only after they acquired tropical colonies?
- Do
you agree with her thesis? Why or
why not? Think about Shaffer’s
point of view. Analyze her bias using the APPARTS document analysis
format.
Author: Who
is this person? What do you know about
the author? What is their POV?
Place
and Time: Where and when was
the source produced? How might this
affect the meaning of the source?
Prior Knowledge:
Beyond the information about the author and the context of its creation, what
do you know that would help you further understand this source? Think about
what you have learned in the past and what your own biases might be.
Audience: For
whom was this text created and how might this affect the reliability of the
source?
Reason: Why was
this text created at the time it was produced? Does it matter?
The Main Idea: You should know this already but think about
the “BIG PICTURE”. Overall, what point
is the source trying to convey?
SIgnificance: Why is this source important? What inferences can you draw from this
document? Ask yourself, “SO WHAT”?
In this essay, Ms. Shaffer's thesis was that without southernization, our world would have turned out a little different than it is today. Southernization is the spread of culture and ideas from Southern Asia(AKA India)across the world. India spread it's ideas such as their number system and religion through trade with Asia and Africa. Some resources traded included gold from Africa and sugar from India. The major contributions from the Indians were their skills at sea and the inventing of the compass. From China,their major contribution was the inventing of gunpowder and from the Arabs and the Mongols were their conquests that helped spread southernization. The Northwestern Europeans participated in the economics and trading part of southernization. They participated by opening trade in the Mediterranean area and tariffs. In conclusion, I agree with Ms. Shaffer's thesis because it is true, without the spread of southernization, our world would be different in a sense that we wouldn't have access to the compass, which means we wouldn't have been able to use our maps properly. We wouldn't have access to gunpowder, leaving practically everyone at a disadvantage since we wouldn't have firearms. Our warfare would actually be different which means wars may never had happened or could have ended differently without the use of gunpowder.
ReplyDeleteI agree with his analysis of the essay. Southernization was important to many places throughout the world. It influenced different places use others ideas. Also he is right that we wouldn't have a compass to use for directions and we wouldn't have gunpowder to use for weapons and war. In conclusion I agree that the world would be different without southernization.
DeleteI agree as well because without southernization, everyone would be in different time periods. One would be weaker than the other in some areas. Southernization was like a way to make sure everyone was on the same page or at least knew what was going on in the different parts of the world. I also agree with the fact that our time period was also affected by this. We could make the inventions more advanced or add on to the ideas that were created or put on own opinion on it.
DeleteThis is more of a reply towards Alexis, but not everyone is/was on same technical levels as others. In fact, it is exactly the opposite. Certain inventions will spread after some time, but that does not mean that they will spread to everyone for use. In fact, this is the reason why European powers could dominate the rest of the world; they had the technological advantage in firearms, politics, and other technologies.
DeleteI agree with josh especially the compass because we wouldn't be able to use maps properly. Also how some places wouldn't have as much as other places if trade never happened. Gunpowder is bad if you didn't have it but i feel like that isn't that bad of a disadvantage. There is other bad things about trade too because it can spread trade at the same time even if your helping. I wonder what it was like when there was no trade.
DeleteI also agree with Joshua. Many items and ideas would not be available for us now that are essential for thriving in an environment. Southernization shaped the world and brought everyone together. Without it, people would either know much more than everyone else, or they would be clueless to changes that are taking place around them. -Erin Gravette
DeleteI agree with Josh's analysis of the essay as it directly explains my beliefs and the truths of Southernization. Southernization molded our culture in such a way, that, had it not happened, we'd be living an entirely different lifestyle today.
Delete-Aanira
I agree with his analysis . southernization was critical the the evolution of the world without agriculture probably wouldn't have evolved how it is now. Southernization was critical to our development.
DeleteI agree with your analysis. Without southernization it would've been very hard for the world to progress as fast as it has in the past. Overall southernization has impacted the world in a very good way and was crucial for our development.
DeleteMs. Shaffer's thesis is that parts of the world would be different if it wasn't for southernization. I think her analysis is valid because she gave examples from different places that were affected by southernization. Al tso it makes sense that ideas were spread from southeast asia to other parts of the world.After 1200 the radical transformations
ReplyDeletethroughout the Eastern Hemisphere brought about by the Mongolians
and many others created conditions that led to the spread of
southernization to Europe and Europe’s colonies in the Western
Hemisphere. This influenced changes to places like the Mediterranean, the middle east, Africa, and northwestern Europe. Indians, the Chinese, and Arabs all contributed to something to show examples of southernization. Contributions like gunpowder, the compass, and economics are examples of inventions spread.- Jordan Leary
I agree with you because had we not had the spread of southernization,, one might be able to argue that we would all be in different time periods. One place may be weaker or less advanced than the other. Southernization helped change to spread out equally.
DeleteZarah Tavarez
DeleteI agree with you because without gunpowder, trading, and compass's we wouldn't be where we are now, especially without trade because that is what has exposed people to different cultures. Without trade we wouldn't know of different religion, different foods, or different languages, we would just be very isolated and ignorant. The world could probably do without gunpowder, because guns and bullets lead to death and war, and maybe if we didn't have gunpowder there would be less wars and the world could finally be at peace. Or maybe not.
I agree with you because she did talk about the spread of different inventions or ideas, and talked about how that affected more ideas and inventions.
DeleteI agree with you because she did talk about the spread of different inventions or ideas, and talked about how that affected more ideas and inventions.
DeleteMs. Shaffer's thesis is that without southernization our world would be changed dramatically, like when she said " southernization laid the foundation for westernization." Southernization spread across the world starting from many parts of southern Asia.
ReplyDelete-Alex Ferris
When reading the southernization essay the part about southernization laying the foundation for westernization did stick out to me. For me it showed how important southernization was and how it had a big impact on the world
DeleteI agree with Alex because Southernization changed the modern society. Without it the invention that we have now wouldn't be possible.
DeleteSouthernization had an enormous impact on today's world just like alex stated.
DeleteShaffer's thesis is that southernization had a huge influence on the rest of the world through new developments, production of agricultural goods, newly introduced trade routes, and new innovations. Shaffer uses the term "southerization" in comparison to westernization. She means to emphasize the fact that just as western Europe was developing and changing, so was southern Asia. India was a major contributor to southernization by producing cotton textiles, opening up an all-sea route to China, and developing the idea of zero as a number. Malay sailors delivered products from south China to east Africa and used the monsoons to discover additional sea routes to south China. China encouraged religions such as Buddhism and Daoism, as well as developing innovations such as gunpowder, printing, the compass, and silk. Arab and Mongol conquests led to long-distance commerce and an increase in interactions with foreign countries. I believe that Shaffer's thesis is valid because without some of these important innovations and developments our world wouldn't be as successful as it is today. -Lauren Gravette
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteShaffer's thesis is that the world would be a lot different if Southernization never happened. The author means a complex, many-sided process that started in Southern Asia and expanded across the world, which she compares to Westernization because that's where she formed the word Southernization because the two ideas are similar except they happened to other parts of the world and in different time periods. When Shaffer refers to the South, she means China, Malaysia, Southeast Asia and India. The products Shaffer associates with Southernization are gold bullion, coins, silver, the concept of zero and other numerals, the compass, printing, sugar, spices, gunpowder, math, rice, silk, and cotton. India used cotton, towards the end of the Mauryan Empire gold was a very important source in Siberia, and in the Gupta dynasty they created the foundations for many different forms of math and introduced the idea of zero and the numerals that we use today. Indians grew demand for trade and search for bullion. Malays contributed growing practices on sailing and traded southern spices, such as cinnamon, to Africa. Both Indians and Malays opened a passageway to access China completely by water. India also made the numeric system we use today. China contributed porcelain, gunpowder, the Grand Canal and block printing. The Arabs contributed by spreading crops and trade routes and distributing slaves. Arabs spread important crops, imported slaves from Africa to produce sugar, ad increased long distance trade. Mongols captured land and shifted trading routes in Asia further north. Northern Europeans couldn't grow many in demand items such as rice, sugar and cotton due to their climate because of how far they ae from the equator. I agree with Shaffer's thesis because she seems unbiased because of the level of her job, being the assistant principal at Tufts University and she provides facts to support her thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree on how our lives would be really different if Southernization did not occur. It would be interesting to see what would happen, especially with the slave importation, because in a way that was kind of the "beginning" of a larger scale slave use.
DeleteI totally agree on how our lives would be really different if Southernization did not occur. It would be interesting to see what would happen, especially with the slave importation, because in a way that was kind of the "beginning" of a larger scale slave use.
DeleteI definitely agree that southernization has shaped our modern world. Without some of these important advancements, our world would most likely fall behind and would not meet the standards for success. Throughout her paper, Shaffer focuses on the impact and influence of four main areas (China, India, Malaysia, and Southern Asia). It would be interesting to know about her thoughts on this topic for the rest of the Southern Hemisphere. -Lauren Gravette
DeleteI agree that Southernization, not only played a huge role in the further development of Asia, but in the development of the world.
DeleteLynda Shaffer thesis is that the world would be different if not for Southernization. Southerniztion means a process of multiple aspects that began in Southern Asia and spread to other places around the world. By south, Shaffer means China, Malaysia, India, and other parts of Southeast Asia. The ideas and inventions that were associated with Southernization were silver, gold, coins, the conecept of zero, numerals, printing, the compass, gunpowder, sugar, mathematics, rice, spices, silk, and cotton. India was mainly known for the cotton textiles they created. Gold became the main source of Siberia at the end of the Mauryan Empire. The Gupta Empire created the foundation of mathematics or the concept of zero and other numerals. The Malay sailors had used monsoons to trade from China to Africa, which led to other discoveries. China was known for taking over trade with their silk products. China had reformed their mathematics by using some of the mathematic system of India without using the numerals. China had also traded sugar and Champa rice. The Tang Dynasty had developed the printing press and gunpowder. Buddhism was also very strong in China during the Tang Dynasty. Arab was mainly known for its sugar, cotton and citrus fruits. The Indians and the Malays both made a huge contribution to the hemispheric development by creating a passageway to access China. The Indians grew a need for trade and searched for gold bars or bullion. The Indian numeral system also contributed to the hemispheric development. Malays practiced sailing and traded spices, like cinnamon, to Africa. China supplied porcelain, gunpowder, and block printing. The Arabs were distributing slaves and spreading crops. The role the Mongols played was by capturing land and shifting trade routes to northern Asia. The Arabs role in southernization was spreading crops, importing slaves to produce sugar, and increasing the long distance trade.
ReplyDeleteShaffer says northwestern Europeans participated only after they obtained tropical climates because they were not able to grow a lot of the items that were in demand. The northwestern Europeans were too far from the equator to grow things such as rice, sugar and cotton.
I agree with Lynda Shaffer’s thesis because she provides facts to support her reasoning. I believe she is unbiased because she was the assistant professor for Asian History at Tufts University for China, Korea, and Japan. I also like how her essay is in third person which shows that her opinion is not completely throughout the whole essay. I also noticed that her essay was really directed towards anyone who was willing to learn. I do not her think her essay is biased because everything that I have learned in this class came up in her essay. I think her essay is important because it was tells how our world was affected by the trading of these ideas and inventions. Everything that was created makes the world we have now and it also shows that it still goes on today. So, whatever we trade now will affect the people later on too.
For Research on Lynda Shaffer:
Solomon, Howard. "Pension Decrements for Early Retirement." (n.d.): n. pag. 13 May 2002. Web. 13 Feb. 2016
Alexis in-depth research agrees with mine. Alexis shows that without the help from the south, the north/ the rest of the world, would be missing out on silk products or sugar and cotton. The south opened trading with the north which made all of this possible. She also shows the roles all of the cultures played in, "Southernization". With the Mongols and the Arabs, they conquered territories, spreading culture and ideas. In Europe, they helped by economics and they only truly started trading when they gained tropical properties. In conclusion, yes, I agree with Alexis on the one.
DeleteI agree with your reasoning as to why you agree with her thesis because she seems to stick to the facts and doesn't vary from that. Also, her position in the education field makes her response more reliable.
DeleteI completely agree with why you thought her reasoning was valid. It was very smart to add how she wrote her essay in third person. I didn't even pick up on that. I also agree that Southernization had a much larger affect then we think it did on our everyday lives. Also, you showed that you really understood what she was trying to say.
DeleteLynda Shaffer's thesis is that southernization is a key factor in the changing and development of the world. The ideas that spread from South Asia were extremely beneficial to various areas. I agree with Lynda Shaffer because of the evidence she provides. She tells how trade routes were discovered and then used by many to reach further parts and spread goods. She also gives the example of the number concept zero and other mathematics that started with the Indians and spread to now be used by all. Shaffer says, "These numerals and the mathematics that the Indians developed with them are now universal- just one indication of the global significance of southernization." Based on what I have read without southernization the world would not be as it is today.
ReplyDelete-Summer Evans
Lynda Shaffer's main point/thesis was how Southernization allowed for the potential of many Southeast Asian countries to unravel and disperse; this had a massive impact on the societies, and today would not be what it is without it. “The term Southernization is meant to be analogous to westernization,” (Shaffer 1) meaning that it is the spread of developments that originated in Southern Asia dispersing to other areas, just as Western European establishments had diffused across many different countries.
ReplyDeleteIn her article, the 'south' is seen as Southeast Asia (mostly India). Shaffer lists, “. . . metallurgical, the medical, and the literary,” (Shaffer 1) as the main ‘categories’ that are associated with Southernization. Within those categories are, “. . . the development of mathematics; the production and marketing of subtropical or tropical spices; the pioneering of new trade routes; the cultivation, processing, and marketing of southern crops such as sugar and cotton; and the development of various related technologies,” (Shaffer 1). India and Southeast Asia were mainly associated with the manufactured products such as cotton; overtime India became a ‘capital’ for dying and trading cotton, and later on textiles (Shaffer 2). India had a big role in the trade routes being that they introduced gold from Siberia and opened up “an all sea route to China,” (Shaffer 5); they were seen as the main sources for some products including peppers to the Mediterranean. The Malays also used seasonal monsoons to travel across the ocean which introduced many findings later on.
The Malays and Indians all had a major impact on trading along the Indian Ocean. Technological advances, such as the compass and lug sails allowed for easier voyages. The concept of zero also aided people in calculations.
In addition, China amped the rice production scale, introducing “new varieties of rice” (Shaffer 9), and created a more advanced mathematics. After being established on the Indian frontier, Arabs were then introduced to various elements of Southernization (Shaffer 12). They were quite important in the trading of sugar and cotton, and were the first to import Africans as slaves in order to produce sugar/moving sugarcane cultivation and production west. “Under the Mongols, overland trade routes in Asia shifted north and converged on the Black Sea,” (Shaffer 17). By moving the location of contact between merchants, it contributed to the Southernization of Christian Mediterranean at the time.
Full participation did not occur in northwestern Europeans until after they acquired tropical colonies because of the fact they were so far away from the equator, where much of the culture was located.
I agree with Lynda Shaffer’s thesis mainly because of how sensible it is. She has a PhD on modern Chinese history which means that she thoroughly knows what she is talking about, and this article was produced under the
American Historical Association in 2003 meaning it is relevant work or else they would not have put this work out. Beforehand I did know the major effects trading and cultural diffusion had on civilizations. Many became prosperous and new advancements occurred, which made the information in this article logical. I would assume this text was created for anyone that is part of the historical field, and to provide people a clear understanding of what Southernization can do to countries. Southernization had a major role in shaping the course of our world’s history and was just as influential as Westernization.
Oh I absolutely agree! I really appreciate the connection to westernization and the importance of India on the situation. It seems, in both of our opinions, India seems to play an even bigger role that Europe! However, given somebody's credibility, it doesn't necessarily mean they're right, I mean, look at Stephen Hawking! Anyway, I find that the development of mathematics was important too, as that contributed to cartography and travel. Overall, couldn't have said it better myself! Wonderful ideas!
DeleteI agree because we had similar analysis of the essay! For example when you mentioned the Mongols , I too believed that that was how the contributed due to the evidence I pulled from the essay . Also I love how you provided deep evidence from the essay. Also we both agreed on her thesis , and you pulled evidence on why you believed she had the credentials in the field !
Deletei agree with his analysis of the essay because southernization was important in many places of the world. Southernization did effect places around the world. I agree that the world would have been different without southernization.
ReplyDeletethis is for Jay Leary's analysis of southernization.
DeleteEssentially, Schafer is referring southernization to one of the main factors causing the development of the more eastern parts of Eurasia and that these places would not have developed and consequentially changed life in the entire world. Woah. Well, given the idea of “Murphy’s Law,” and basic logic of Asia’s contribution to the development of trade and colonization, this argument is pretty feasible.
ReplyDeleteShafer’s relation of southernization to westernization happened to be inherently perfect; they both cultivated western ideas, technology, and culture into Asia- there’s just a geographical difference in that southernization occurred in southern Asia, ie. India, whereas westernization traveled WAY out there in the east to develop places like China.
The kick start, really, of southernization in the words of Schafer was “Malay sailors began to ride the monsoons to India” (4), thus opening up the trade and diffusion of things like cotton and mathematical concepts, which were both very important aspects of Indian discovery yet to be shared with the world.
The world of important goods and ideas that was India really made southernization what it was; not only if southernization had not existed would life be different, but India as the subject really gave southernization its benefit. “Perhaps the oldest strand in the process was the cultivation of cotton and the production of cotton textiles for export.” (Schafer 2) The special interaction with India in southernization obviously contributed to the development of the world, and Europe, really was lucky to be able to trade with an area with such a surplus of mental and physical paraphernalia.
Being the explication and overall logic of one thing leading to another in the process of southernization, her analysis of this whole situation seems to be absolutely likely. History fluxuates with different opinions, but unless Schafer is missing something on her timeline, she hits the bulls eye on this one. India’s interaction with the western world had just as large of an impact of Eurasian development as Westernization- if not more, as southernization set down a “foundation for westernization” (Schafer 2) in trade and interaction.
-John Gnik, Period 3
Shaffer's thesis is that without Southernization our world would have drastically changed from what it is today. It impacted the technological advancement of today’s society. I agree with this statement because of the provided evidence. Shaffer goes into elaborate detail on how southernization affected the world. Many southern empires including India and China made very prominent advancements such as the concept of zero, manufacturing Champa rice, and other mathematical concepts; especially in India. India invented the concept of zero and they excelled in math because of it. Many other southern places flourished in comparison to the north because of their geographical advantages. Shaffer explains how Southern Europe and Asia already had advantages including being able to grow more of a variety of plants and trade routes to connect and get needed materials. Consequently, the southern areas of Europe and Asia were able to grow more intellectually and technologically. In conclusion I agree with Shaffer because of the provided evidence. Everything she says is very plausible and logical.
ReplyDelete-Daniel Hyde, Period 5
I agree with you, Danny. Without the development of things like sugar and gunpowder, the world really wouldn't be the same. We also have to think rather than about how southernization directly affected us with it's innovations; about how it influenced westernization, and how THAT affected us. I liked your note on how southernization flourished more agriculturally and how those practices (like sugar farming) are still seen today.
DeleteCaleb, I like how you pulled the cause and effect when discussing how southernization influenced westernization and how that In turn influenced us! And Daniel I agree with Caleb and your response when mentioning the contributions that are still used
DeleteToday .
I agree with Ms. Shaffer's thesis that Southeast Asia's advancements were crucial to modern society. The overlooked "southernization" process is referring to multiple developments in India and China that were helped to spread to other regions, like Africa and Europe. India created some of the most basic mathematical concepts and the first textiles. China created agricultural innovations as well as other commodities such as gunpowder. In her essay, Ms. Shaffer also discusses their means for transporting these items and ideas. Arabs, Mongols, and the Malays were integral in this. She goes on to talk about how southernization affected westernizations, and how one wouldn't really have been as effective without the other. I agree with Shaffer, because of the logic and impunitive evidence backing up her theory.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you defined southernization and explained you. You pulled examples out and elaborated, which helps the audience understand the concept. Very well said, and I agree with what you are stating.
DeleteI also agree in the fact that Shaffer is able to provide very specific evidence to back up her theory. I like how you put it, Caleb. Well said.
DeleteShaffer's thesis as many others said , was that the world wouldn't be the same today if southernization did not occur . She says southernization "refers to a multifaceted process that began in Southern Asia and spread from there to various places around the globe." Which I believe means the developing and changing of many regions . The south seemed to be defined as Southern Asia / india area . To put it all in a nutshell , she emphasizes the contributions of Indians , Malays , Chinese , and Arabs to hemispheric development was cotton / textiles , and advanced mathematics. Also innovations such as printing , the compass , gun powder and silk . In all India and Southeast Asia were responsible for the manufactured products. Also simpler things were announced during this period such as new varieties of rice . Or how the Malays used the monsoons to travel . The Indians were responsible for the trade routes such as the one they opened up "an all sea trade route to China" (5) A way the Mongols were associated with southernization was when Shaffer said "under the Mongols overland trade routes in Asian shifted north and converged on the Black Sea," (17). Which shows how it moved the contact between merchants, which ended up affecting the Christian Mediterranean .
ReplyDeleteIn all I believe her thesis was indeed correct . I agree because with all of the evidence that was found in her essay, which I only touched on, it is clear to see that without southernization a lot of everyday things wouldn't exist . Also I did not feel a bias opinion in the essay. I believe she was a trusting source and that she was very educated upon writing this essay. Southernization was obviously extremely important like westernization due to all of the advances that came out of it , which I now know. - Kayla pollard
Shaffers thesis was that the modern world would be drastically different had we not had southernization. Throughout her paper, Shaffer focuses on the impact and influence of four main areas. On the Indian Ocean route, items like spices, gold, and iron were traded.The Malays and Indians all had a major impact on trading along the Indian Ocean. Technological advances, such as the compass and lug sails allowed for easier voyages. Also traded was ideas and religion including the zero which advanced mathematics intensely. Had this not happened, everything would be completely different! I agree with Ms. Shaffer because she backs up her points with evidence and because of the knowledge and understanding she shows on the subject.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Shaffers thesis is valid due to her detailed evidence and understanding of southernization.
DeleteSouthernization was very important process for the modern days like medicine, mathematics, and literacy. Without Southernization our lives would be plain. we would not have gold, spices, and some technology. She talks about the spread of Southernization throughout the civilizations and how the trade routes impacted the spread. She also talks about some civilization that did not contribute to the spread like Mongols. I agree with her because she supports the statement with evidence and provides her own prior knowledge in the analysis.
ReplyDeleteSouthernization was very important process for the modern days like medicine, mathematics, and literacy. Without Southernization our lives would be plain. we would not have gold, spices, and some technology. She talks about the spread of Southernization throughout the civilizations and how the trade routes impacted the spread. She also talks about some civilization that did not contribute to the spread like Mongols. I agree with her because she supports the statement with evidence and provides her own prior knowledge in the analysis.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI agree with your opinion Hemant. Shaffer's essay really sets forth the idea of how the spread of Southernization had an impact on many aspects of many countries around the world. It is pretty fascinating to see how the southern countries had a specialization in major crops.
DeleteI agree with you hemant, the concept of zero did provide us with an advancement in math and medicine. I also believe your analysis of the importance of the trade routes. They were a key component to southernization. I completely agree your analysis and interpretation of her article.
DeleteI have to disagree with you on the spread of this knowledge. The Mongols was one of the largest empires to ever exist, slaying and conquering whoever stood in their way. They never had a religion that always stood out. the entire Mongol empire was a mix of religions and race. They also created the Yam system, a way of relaying info throughout the empire on horseback. In summary, the Mongols were a major factor in the spread of Southernization.
DeleteI also agree with you Hemant, without southernization our lives would be plain. We wouldn't have most of the stuff we have today without sourthernization like gold and technology.
DeleteI also agree with you Hemant, without southernization our lives would be plain. We wouldn't have most of the stuff we have today without sourthernization like gold and technology.
DeleteLynda Shaffers thesis is that without southernization the modern day world would be different. Shaffers theses is valid because she gives many examples of southernization in places like India, China, and Malaysia. Southernization lead to the contribution of many things. For example, the Gupta empire created the concept of zero, which the modern world would be different without. Another example is China contributed gunpowder and porcelain. Other contributions include rice, sugar, the compass, numerals and spices.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you, Kelly, when you said that without Gupta's creation of the number zero, the world would be extremely different. Our whole idea of math and logic would be completely lost.
DeleteI disagree, some of Shaffer's evidentiary support is shaky. Like her points about Ethopian merchants and their travels to Zimbabwe. It sounds like she's making evidence up out of the blue solely based on the item they came back with (gold) and the time it took to get there and back (two years). While many of her points are supported, this one isn't.
DeleteShaffer's thesis has an emphasis on how southernization had an effect throughout the world, and that without it, everything about our life would be different. Her ideology of "southernization" is of how the rest of the world changes, and her view of how changes spread throughout. She also gives off the fact of how other countries help another country's culture. I agree with the idea she shows in her thesis because it is proven by further evidence. For instance, on page 2, she states of how "Egypt became an important overseas market for Indian cottons." It also shows how the advancement of crops in the southern countries such as India helped it be the center of the spread, hence the name "Southernization". The big idea of this essay was to allow the fact of how the southern countries really revolutionized the world. I agree with her 100%, due to her knowledge and evidence she uses to prove her point.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you because the i also think that her thesis was that southernization drastically changed the world, and that she shows extensive knowledge on the topic.
DeleteLynda Shaffers defines term "southernization" as a process of adaptation of Southwest Asian ideas and inventions, such as gunpowder, Indian digits, and so on. Southernization is made to be a direct opposite of Westernization. While I don't deny the significance of Southernization, I believe that it is overglorified. Why? Well, first of all, it is noticeable that Shaffers has a clear bias towards South, as it is the subject of entire essay, as well as that Shaffers' field of work dealing more with Asia rather than the West. Second, it mostly talks about achievements of southern hemisphere, but only slightly touches on interactions with West, rather than the influence of Southernization on West, which is the one of the main themes in the paper. However, while much of the provided proof is solid, it rarely talks about the complete interactions of all of these ideas into what combines Southernization process as a whole. Westernization is a whole process of many combined ideas and their interactions that made a social structure that was the basis of many cultures in the West, and later spread to become the standard across the world. However, in comparison, Southernization is rather an addition to Westernization process than a whole collection of ideas. In fact, she mentions it in the paper. While I agree that Southern inventions and ideas are key to much of progress in the West, I do not believe that it is exactly the "opposite" of Westernization, as both are directly present across the world even to this day, as well as that Southernization is as important as Westernization.
ReplyDeleteI think that if focus implies bias, it will be impossible for any fair researcher to concentrate enough on a topic to learn anything significant about it. While there was a passage of items and ideas both ways, it was unevenly skewed from south to north. She also doesn't deal with southernization and westernization together, she only uses an established term, westernization, to introduce the new concept of southernization. However, I do think Sergey raises a valid point when he says that she doesn't really investigate how the southern cultures interact with each other to form a single entity to migrate north, like western culture does. In order for southernization to be accepted as a phenomenon, the links between the civilizations of origin should be established.
DeletePardon me for my phrasing. I didn't mean that the focus will automatically make it biased, but rather that looking strictly at the achievements of Southernization would show a bit of bias, as other effects are excluded. I meant specifically this essay's focus, not just that focus on a specific topic will skew the opinion.
DeleteShaffer's thesis was that southernization caused extremely evident effects throughout the world. I agree with her analysis. She mentioned multiple ways that southernization has affected our morals and the way we live today, such as creation of the number system, as well as different forms of art and the spread of crops. Many different ideas and inventions created then are still practiced today. So, yes, I agree with Shaffer's thesis. The ideas she expressed in this document as originated in Southern Asia has spread throughout the world and still plays a role in human life today.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Caroline, because like you said many of the things invented then in Southern Asia are still practiced today and who knows what it would be like if those ideas and inventions never spread.
DeleteShaffers thesis is about southernization and how our world would be different without it. Southernization is the analogous to westernization, but is also referred to as a multifaceted process that started in Southern Asia. When Shaffer talks about places in the essay she talk about China, India, Muslim Caliphates and more places. Cotton and cotton textiles was the oldest production and was introduced by India. Indians didn't just introduce cotton and cotton textiles they also developed dyeing techniques. Gold by Siberia which is Indias's main source. China was known for silk, math by the Indians, and India also by the concept of zero. India contributed with Gold and Math. Malays contributed with navigation techniques and sea routes which made trade easier. China contributed by the compass, gunpowder, and porcelain the compass helped with oversea trade. Arabs contributed with slaves and crops the slaves made lives easier by helping with crops or even cleaning. Arabs helped spread crops and expand trade to long distance areas even northern places. The Northwestern European had trouble interacting with growing of cotton,sugar, and rice due to where they were located so trade was a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI think her thesis is excellent she goes over every topic but after that she provides evidence. I think she was unbiased because she gives a fair amount of information for each topic. She rarely even puts her opinion into things. Which leads into how she speaks 3rd person which is why she rarely puts any of her opinions in. I believe her thesis was excellent and very descriptive over each topic and well thought out.
I totally agree. Warfare would differ drastically without gunpowder. Mathematics would be more complex without the concept of zero, as well. Southernization did the world good.
DeleteShaffer's thesis is how our fast-progressing and modern world would have been completely different had not the Southernization occurred. She proves her thesis to be valid through examples of advancements/contributions like the Indian Ocean route. Along the Indian Ocean trade route, Indians created and shared basic math components, such as the concept of zero. They also made some textiles, well, some of the first, actually. Also along this route, spices, sugar, rice, and precious metals, like gold and iron, were traded. Some innovations that were contributed were gunpowder, the compass, and lug sails.
ReplyDeleteIn ms shaffers article she exclaims southernization impacted the world immensely through new creations, goods, and developments. She supplied multiple examples of goods and Ideas being carried throughout Eurasia. One of which was navigation techniques. This stood out to me because I never knew you could travel through the ocean & know where you were going using these techniques. Although only the Malays used this, it led to a more advanced tool, the compass. This was used by the Chinese. The concept of zero is another improvement. This originated in India and spread to Arab and Europe. It also led to advanced mathematics and perfected the numeric system. All in all, I agree with her statement that southernization had a great deal in what our world is like.
ReplyDeleteShaffer is a scholar of East Asian studies and I read that she believes that students should learn about history through their own perspectives. This could lead to many different opinions that might not be based on fact. In this case her bias could have affected her point of view and how she presented the argument.
DeleteIn this essay, we will be discussing the impact Southernization has had on the World. “…the development of mathematics; the production and marketing of subtropical or tropical spices; the pioneering of new trade routes; the cultivation, processing, and the marketing of the southern crops such as sugar and cotton; and the development of various related technologies.” (1) She states that Southernization is accredited with all these accomplishments, if we never had Southernization we wouldn’t have the world we live in.
ReplyDelete“It is used here to refer to a multifaceted process that began in Southern Asia and spread from there to various places around the globe.” (1) This is the opposite of Westernization, “…southernization is meant to be analogous to westernization.” (1) Westernization is the development and spread of ideas that occurred in Western Europe (Shaffer 1). Ideas that originate in Southeast Asia and spread to different regions are Southernization.
The South is defined as Southeast Asia, mainly India. “…took place in many parts of southern Asia, both on the India subcontinent and in Southeast Asia. (2).
During the Gupta Empire, cotton and cotton textiles were an important good (Shaffer 2). With the demand of cotton textiles, the Indian trade continued to flourish and prosper. A textile expert commented, “India virtually clothed the world.” Southernization also opened doors for India’s search for bullion, which may have led them the shores of Africa (Shaffer 3).
Southernization helped connect all these regions together through trade. Interactions with India produced cotton, textiles, spices, and advance mathematics. The Chinese goods like silk and rice was on high demand throughout the trading world (Shaffer 10).
The Indian voyages helped develop a general idea of the shores of the, “Southern Ocean,” (Shaffer 4). The Malays became experts of the sea by the third century B.C.E (Shaffer 4). These sailors were going place to place; sailing the southern coasts of China and sailing east to India (Shaffer 4). They are argued to have been the first ones to establish contact between India and Southeast Asia. They are also the first people to have developed a long-distance trade in a southern spice (Shaffer 4). With this evidence, I state that the Malays had a huge impact on Southernization. “Indian traders and shippers and Malay sailors were also responsible for opening an all-sea route to China.” (5). “…the Chinese first develop cotton canvas, which they used to make a more efficient sail for ocean-going ships.” (9). Also, China reimagined their mathematic to match the Indian Numerals. Before southernization, North China was the capitol of intellectual, political, and social advancement. By 600, southern China was on its way to becoming the most influential and center of commercial in China (Shaffer 10). The Arabs are credited with the spread of crops throughout the Asia and Africa (Shaffer 12). The Arabs helped spread everything during Southernization. They also were the first ones to import large numbers of enslaved Africans in order to produce sugar (Shaffer 13).
The Arabs and Mongols played a huge role in trade, since they were the sailors and traders that exported all the goods throughout their regions. With the Arabs, their conquests lead to a period of “discovery” of new sources for bullion. Also, the Arabs seemed to improved routes for the Sahara trade in the desert (Shaffer 15). “Under the Mongols, overland trade routes in Asia shifted north and converged on the Black sea.” (17) The Mongols had helped exploit and create new trade routes on land and sea. The Mongols may be responsible for the spread of the Black Plague, “…apparently rats and lice infected with the disease rode westward in the saddlebags of Mongolian post messenger, horsemen who were capable of traveling one hundred miles per day.” (18).
Questions 1-7
This answers question number 8.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ms. Shaffer’s argument, she presents evidence that is truthful and relevant to the discussion at hand. Also, she is a scholar in modern Chinese history, World History, and Native American history. This literary piece was published in 2004 under the American Historical Association. Seeing that’s a creditable source, I do trust they would publish it if it is truth worthy, and useful for education and reference. Ms. Shaffer’s knowledge seems to have increased my own knowledge about the subject. I did know the impact and significance of trade interactions, but now I am certainly more informed about the concept all together. The text was created for students to analyze and discuss with someone with equal or greater knowledge about the subject. The reliability of the text increases greatly, knowing I should discuss the concepts with fellow peers. The point of the essay, the message, is that southernization has such an impact that affects how our world is today. The source is important because it tells us how past civilization interacted with each other that produced strong connections throughout the globe.
This answers question number 8.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ms. Shaffer’s argument, she presents evidence that is truthful and relevant to the discussion at hand. Also, she is a scholar in modern Chinese history, World History, and Native American history. This literary piece was published in 2004 under the American Historical Association. Seeing that’s a creditable source, I do trust they would publish it if it is truth worthy, and useful for education and reference. Ms. Shaffer’s knowledge seems to have increased my own knowledge about the subject. I did know the impact and significance of trade interactions, but now I am certainly more informed about the concept all together. The text was created for students to analyze and discuss with someone with equal or greater knowledge about the subject. The reliability of the text increases greatly, knowing I should discuss the concepts with fellow peers. The point of the essay, the message, is that southernization has such an impact that affects how our world is today. The source is important because it tells us how past civilization interacted with each other that produced strong connections throughout the globe.
The thesis of Lynda Shaffer's article is that the world as we know it would be different without Southernization. Southernization was the spread of ideas and culture around the world from southern Asian countries and was the result of the developments that took place in those countries. They spread things such as gunpowder, spices, gold, religions and certain agricultural goods that could only be grown in the southern Asian area. Each of these things played a vital role in the further development of the world we know today. For example without certain spices, like salt we couldn't properly preserve food. Furthermore I believe that Ms Shaffer's thesis is correct because of the constant evidence she provides. "The Indian textile trade continued to grow throughout the next millennium" and her citations showing her research.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this analysis. What Shaffer had said had an impact on the way things were. Ideas spread throughout the world and were preserved. The example of not having salt would mean to not be able to properly preserve food is a very well thought out way to explain how one little thing like salt changed the way we have to take care of our perishable goods. All of the items listed had a lasting role in our society today.
DeleteAccording to Shaffer southernization was an important process that changed the development of many aspects of life beginning in Southeast Asia. She describes it as being like Westernization in that it led to many new developments. Many of the early developments happened on the Indian subcontinent and included long distance trade, and the spice trade, a good navigational system (balance lug sail), and the opening of an "all-sea route to China." A couple of the biggest developments were the crystallization of sugar and the beginnings of modern math, to include a zero. "Western numerals actually came from India." China developed math as well, and also cotton and indigo. New varieties of rice like Champa and sugar also were important products. The invention of gunpowder and printing, the compass and advances in exporting made this an important period. The Muslim Caliphates spread many important crops (sugar cane, cotton, and citrus fruits) that "led to much more intensive agriculture in the Middle East and some parts of the Mediterranean." The also had advances in algebra and trig, and discovered silver. The Mongols and Arabs, according to Shaffer, created conditions that led to much of the spread of southernization. She believed that all of the developments and advances helped the Europeans gain further power and added so much to what they already had that the south looked "poor." I agree with Shaffer's thesis because all of the developments she described were so important, but I'm not sure I like the fact that math continued to develop.
ReplyDeleteSouthernization was very important during the start of southeast Asia.In the article it is compared to westernization in the since that their were so many new advances. Such as trade, navigation, math, and new inventions. All of these developments contributed to southernization.
ReplyDeleteLynda Shaffer's thesis stated that without Southernization many things we know today wouldn't be the same. Her analysis is valid because she explains how trade only found and grown in Southern Asia spread throughout the rest of the world. "he singled out three technologies in particular that “have changed the whole face and state of things throughout the world.” These were all Chinese inventions—the compass, printing, and gunpowder." (Shaffer, 18) This is a quote from Shaffer's article explaining how other people also saw how Southern Asian countries invented and spread all these things that helped develop the world as we know it now. Shaffer researched a topic and was very valid and precise in her analysis which led to a great conclusion, that Southernization helped lead us to where we are now.
ReplyDeleteShaffer's thesis is that Southernization positively influenced the world in the fifth century during the reign of India's Gupta Kings. Southernization is the expansion of ideas and new technology that spread from the south (China, Malaysia, India, and other parts of southeast Asia) to other regions of the world. Shaffer explains how it impacted the world and how different life would be for everyone without it. She compares it to westernization which is pretty much the same but in the west. Many ideas that came from Southernizarion include cotton, gold, silver, printmaking, coins, mathematics, numerals, zero, compasses, etc. I agree with Shaffer's thesis because, for example, we wouldn't have the compass, which is not necessarily essential now but years ago it was. We also would not know as much about math and the way things work. -Erin Gravette
ReplyDeleteAlong with what a lot of my classmates said, Shaffer's thesis is how the world we know today would be drastically different without the advancements and changes that people in southern Asia made. For example, the Indians introduced the concept of zero. We all know about what zero is very well, but imagine if we had no concept of it! I think that she does a very good job with providing many different examples from many different sources to back up what she says. I noticed very few opinions making the validity of the essay more apparent.
ReplyDeleteWithout Southernization, we wouldn't be living in the world we live in today. Countries wouldn't be tied together by trade and we, likely, wouldn't harness the same privileged items we do today. Southernization molded the world in such a way that it'd be completely different living in a world in which it hadn't happened. I agree with Ms. Shaffer's thesis and also believe it to be valid, as she discusses and pinpoints the themes of the multitudes of technologies and items traded, thus validating the impact of Southernization.
ReplyDelete-Aanira Jones
I agree with this statement because Southernization brought people together and we would know how the world will be without Southernization
DeleteLidia Shaffer's thesis is that without southernization our world would be very different from what it is today. I agree because without the compass we wouldn't have been able to locate the places we wanted to go to in the past. And without being able to locate places we wouldn't be able to trade which isn't really a good thing. A life without trading would be awful because we wouldn't know the culture's of other people, we wouldn't know that other languages exist, we wouldn't have the great foods that come from all over the world the way we do now. Overall the world would have been a very different (and dull) place to live without southernization, which is what Lidia is portraying in her essay.
ReplyDeleteWithout Southernization the world wouldn't be the same. Refer to the multifaceted process that began in southern Asia and spread from there to various of other places around the globe. Are that took part in Southernization was define as south. Some ideas were concept of zero, cotton-textiles, gold, coin, silver, compass, painting, sugar, gunpowder, math, rice, silk and bullion. The Indian's contributed cotton-textiles which was a success in the next century and also the idea of zero as a number. The Arab contributed by importing slaves from Africa to produce sugar and spread important crops. The Mongols captured land. The European couldn't grow many demands due to their climate.I agree with Ms. Manager's thesis because it provides necessary details to support his thesis and how it impacted the Southernization.
ReplyDeleteShaffer’s thesis is that Southernization, the spread of changes originating in southeast Asia, had a profound impact on the evolution of Europe and the world.She calls process of changes in culture, knowledge, and products originating in southern Asia spreading toward the north “Southernization”, and includes the movement of Arabic numerals, sugar, spices, rice, cotton, printing, and gunpowder as examples.While Shaffer’s individual points are legitimate, I think that her description of the phenomenon as “Southernization” is inaccurate. In her efforts to move away from a Euro-centric model, she grouped together unrelated inventions and their spread into a single pattern. China and India did indeed produce materials and ideas that were spread by Arabs and Malaysians, but these inventions traveled the world in all different directions.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting point that you have made, and Westernization is guilty of the same style of grouping. The title "Southernization" simply gives an area to which the inventions originated. They follow the convenient pattern she describes, but would be more accurate as individual contributions.
DeleteLynda Shaffer's thesis states that southernization laid the foundation for westernization, and in turn, impacted our lives today. The thesis is valid because Shaffer uses credible sources and is well-versed enough in the process of southernization to write twenty-one pages about it. Shaffer provides plenty of evidence to support to support her claims. For example, Shaffer says that Buddhism led to cultural exchange between India and China. This led to China adopting Indian mathematical techniques, and then advanced mathematics in China. Without those math systems, we may not have developed our current math systems.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Lidia Shaffer, southernization is defined as the advances made in the "south", and then their effects on the rest of the world as they spread. Many achievements, such as cotton, the compass, and mathematical improvements, developed in the south. Her thesis argues that today's world would be far different without southernization. With this I must agree. Cotton alone has a plethora of uses, so combined, the benefits of southernization must affect other countries greatly.
ReplyDeleteI think her thesis was that without southernization the world wouldn't have shaped up how it is now . Very essential to the life we live now. To culture food and certain people. We wouldn't have the food we very much enjoy today . Thank southernization for a lot of stuff we have in this world
ReplyDeleteThis is Hunter B. (My computer is weird)
ReplyDeleteI believe that her thesis was that without southern civilizations our world would be very different from our current world. She proves this point using examples with the Arabians and their growing of sugarcane, gold contributing to trade throughout the south, and much more. She also explains that the Mongols and Muslims are responsible for spreading the knowledge and technology developed within South Asia and Africa. She even suggests that Southernization may have made way for Westernization.
Shaffers thesis on southernization explains about how this one effect set events in the western areas into motion. In short words she means that what happened in the specific listed countries changed the world as we know it, and set events in history to happen. By south Schaffer means areas in the South-east Asia, so India, China, etc... China played a big role, by making and providing rare, expensive items. For example, silk was an item that pertained to China at the time. China had also produced gunpowder. With the production of gunpowder, wars would be changed in the future, setting us down a dark path of war. Indians were mostly associated with math, and goods. The Indians had thought about the concept of zero, and it was a very important concept for our lives today, and it had a lasting impact on the world. The Indians also contributed textile work, and cotton practices, like dyeing. Arabs specialized with crop techniques, which would allow us to modernize them and be as efficient as possible in our agricultural evolutions. The reason she says the Europeans had shows signs of southernization when the colonies wet established is because those colonies showed characteristics of what southernization was, and had some of the same effects it did.
ReplyDeleteI feel Shaffer's thesis was excellent as what she states is very detailed when looked in depth. She doesn't show much bias as she tries to back up what she says with historical views, and facts. Her paper is more of a fact than opinion, making her thesis stand out, and be very well made.
I believe Shaffer's thesis is how much Southernization has affected us. Its advanced us majorly. Due to the invention of compass, travel and trade was made easier. Math was improved with India and China. Our world would be in a completely different place without the era of Southernization.
ReplyDeleteI believe Shaffer's thesis is how much Southernization has affected us. Its advanced us majorly. Due to the invention of compass, travel and trade was made easier. Math was improved with India and China. Our world would be in a completely different place without the era of Southernization.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you say because all throughout the essay it is talking about the trading of goods, such as cinnamon and sugar cane. It also talks about the advancement within our traveling, such as boats.
DeleteLinda Shaffer's thesis is that Southernization helped create the modern world as we know it today. The Asian cultures were spread into many of the European cultures leaving some distinct characteristics behind. The main Asian culture was India's Gupta Empire which brought the concept of zero and many other intellectual advancements. She also states that Southernization led way to Westernization which had a huge impact on our lives. Overall, she is trying to make the point that the technological advancements of Asia (mainly China and India) had a large impact of the Eastern European countries which then led to Westernization. I agree with Shaffer. Her thesis proves how Southernization helped the modern world and she proves this by using multiple examples, including the Chinese, Indian (Gupta Empire), Mongols and part of the Persian Empires. I believe that her analysis is completely valid, she is very knowledgeable in her field. She has a PhD in different Asian Studies. She also uses facts to prove her opinions, making them seem less fictional.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement a lot Frankie. Also things such as the compass have impacted on our lives today helping us locate geographically.
DeleteI agree that Southernization is very important to our current everyday lives. Such as how different things from different cultures affect our lives today. Like the compass for travel. Gunpowder in warfare. And zero in math.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that different things from different cultures affect our lives, and Southernization is solely about that as different resources and ideas were being exchanged from the Eastern Hemisphere to the Western Hemisphere. Along the way, the world is changing, and it is still changing today. I think Southernization is to blame for initiating this cycle. However, I am not complaining because it changed for the better. I would not know what I would do in the middle of a ocean without a compass and cartograpgy.
DeleteShaffer's thesis states that southernazation developed the characteristics of the world today. And I agree things like the concept of zero and how to crystalize sugar. these things are all very important to the world today. all advancements stated in the article are relevant to everyday life as we know it. And because humans like to take things to the next level we have increased our knowledge of southernization and we have made it possible make sure we never run out of things like this. although I do agree with the thesis Shaffer is getting across I don't really see much evidence that the facts she is stating are true.
ReplyDeleteI agree that everything is still relevant and useful only the advancement of the world has changed and that with our knowledgeable improvements things will just continue to get better.
DeleteThis essay, by Linda Shaffer, is about southernization and its impact on the world we live in today. Southernization influenced other areas to use different ideals making cultures spread. Southernization is the ideas of southern Asia, primarily India, spreading its culture throughout the world. India spread skills on the water, the compass, gold, sugar, and some of their number skills. China spread gunpowder. Northwestern Europe spread the trading system throughout the Mediterranean. The Mongols and the Arabs were the ones to spread it through their conquests. All in all Ms. Shaffer made some good points and her thesis makes sense so I whole heartedly agree with her.
ReplyDeletethis is very relevant and detailed. I completely agree with you because the things you listed have made a really big impact on the world whether it was for the good or the bad it still affects the world today. This is nicely worded Jorge! :)
DeleteIn this essay, Shaffer's thesis is that the world would not be what it is and as advanced as it is today if it wasn't for Southernization. I believe that her analysis is valid from all of the factual information that she gives in her essay such as the foundation for modern mathematics where she talks about the concept of zero and the invention of gunpowder. All ideas and inventions are still very relevant to modern day life. Everything she states in her essay is in a way related to modern day society and how things work the only difference is how everything has advanced.
ReplyDeleteIn the essay, she explained that southernization preceded Westernizattion. It also talks about how it effects out world today. I believe that her evidence/essay is valid because of the information she gives about the ideas,weapons,and tools they used.She also states that southernization helped other places in the world.
ReplyDeleteWhat Shaffer is trying to conclude that without the establishment of Southernization, the world wouldn't be how it is today. I would have to agree with Shaffer's thesis because of how her essay talks all about the advancements within our technology. For example, on page 3, it states, "... when steam engines began to power the production of cotton textiles.". Also, in her essay, due to the advancements within the technology, we were able to establish new land. Just like it states on page 20, "The Portuguese moved the
ReplyDeletesugarcane plant from Sicily to Madeira, in the Atlantic, and they
found new sources of gold, first in West Africa and then in East
Africa.".
Ms. Shaffer's thesis in the article is that Southernization initiated a global development and laid the foundation for other progressions to come, like Westernization or Industrial Revolution, through cultivation of mathematics, commerce, technologies, spices et cetra (Shaffer 1). Ms. Shaffer referred to “Southernization” as a developmental process that originated in Southern Asia and spread to other parts of the world, changing them (Shaffer 1). She identified “South” as the India Subcontinent, Malay, China, and Southeast Asia.
ReplyDeleteDue to Southernization, cotton textiles, crystalized sugar, pepper, Indian numerals, and concept of zero from India were able to diffuse to China, Middle East, and Europe. Further, Southernization affected world population when Champa rice was introduced to China from India, and China's population doubled (Shaffer 10). Additionally, Malay's balance lug sail helped the Polynesians and Arabians come up with the triangular lateen, and rare spices from Moluccan Islands were brought to other places by Malay (Shaffer 6). Malay's interaction with Africa gave an emergence to Malayo-Polynesian language which is still used by the people of Madagascar. Moreover, Arabs were responsible for the spread of sugar, citrus, Indian numerals, slavery, practice of multiple cropping, silver, and gold to Middle East, Africa, and Islamic Spain.
India is a cooking pot for all the ideas and resources. Their numerals, concept of zero, and crops were of interest and significance to other civilizations. They allowed others to take advantage of what they could come up with and prosper; they shared. Next, Malays were the earliest “servers” in Southernization. They opened up contact between India and Southeast Asia and all-sea route to China. They put a lot of effort in Southernization since they traded without compass, without sight of the northern star; like they knew the sea as the back of their hand. Also, China's most important contribution includes gunpowder, printing, and compass. Gunpowder can be used during wars to conquer territory; printing was used to spread ideas, and compass helped to navigate through both land and water. Finally, Arabs participated in Southernization after conquering lands near Southern Asia, Mediterranean shore and Central Asia. They made advancements in Science and Mathematics, such as astrolab, trigonometry, algebra, cartography et cetra. Because of them, Southernization became closer to Europe and Africa, in the middle. From the Arabs, ideas and resources could spread to both ways.
Mongols and Arabs connected Europe and the lands that had been long Southernized because they occupied territories between Europe and Asia (Shaffer 17; 12).
She says that northern Europe was participating in Southernization after acquiring tropical colonies. The crops, the gold, spices are what the south acquired and shared through expedition and trade; these are the elements of Southernization. If they did not have them, they were not part of Southernization. Only after they conquered territories in Africa and Southeast Asia, were they able to participate.
I agree with her thesis because from the fifth century B.C.E. to eighteenth century, a lot things, ideas, and places emerged and developed. If I look at it in a chronological system, then the world did advance, more likely changed, and it went through a lot. More importantly, Westernization was only able to pick up due to Southernization because Europe could not have gotten spices, sugar, cotton, compass by themselves, and they certainly would not have the need to conquer tropical lands if they did not hold something important.
It is impossible to think of a world without all these innovations and resources, but these inventions and materials would not be here if there was not Southernization. Or maybe one part of the world would have them and grow fast but the other part would not and stay the same. Southernization makes me think of it as a race where everybody must take something from each other in order to not fall behind.
Ms. Shaffer's thesis in the article is that Southernization initiated a global development and laid the foundation for other progressions to come, like Westernization or Industrial Revolution, through cultivation of mathematics, commerce, technologies, spices et cetra (Shaffer 1). Her analysis is valid because the time periods, resources, impacts associated with certain civilizations are correct. She mentions that the Gupta empire was in power in Southern Asia during 320-535C.E., which is correct (Shaffer 1). She also hit the nail on gunpowder being invented by the Chinese (Shaffer 11). Further, She accounts on the Arabs carrying Indian numerals from the south to Greeks and Persia (Shaffer 14). All of these information are justifiable by me through other sources. And she broadens a topic with more details so that I can relate to this essay.
ReplyDeleteThe thesis of this essay is that most of the things done in the southernization time is pretty defendant in our today lives. She explains the compass & how using it has helped us today navigate were places are in the world. Also things such as trade & mathematics, & technology. - Alexis Putney
ReplyDeleteMs. Shaffer's thesis is that Southernization helped develop and led to the technology we have today. Ms. Shaffer's analysis is valid because without Southernization we wouldn't have material like cotton and the way we do math would be different because we wouldn't have the influence of the Indian numerals and their math system . Also Southernization had a impact on firearms because of the trading of gunpowder and Southernization impacted the spread of Buddhism without Southernization we wouldn't have many of the things we have today.
ReplyDeleteMs. Shaffer’s thesis is that southernization changed the world by the spread of knowledge, culture, and ideas. The south that Ms. Shaffer’s describes in her essay refers to southeast asia. Some of the ideas spread during southernization includes, “development of mathematics; the production and marketing of subtropical or tropical spices; the pioneering of new trade routes; the cultivation, processing, and marketing of southern crops such as sugar and cotton; and the development of various related technologies.”
ReplyDeleteThe process of southernization first began in india during the Gupta Empire through cotton textiles. Demand for these cotton textiles caused a large amount of trade throughout all of asia, europe, and africa. So many cotton textiles were produced that one textile expert said that, “India virtually clothed the world.” This spread of cotton textiles was on of the first steps in the beginning of southernization.
India was not the only civilization that took part in southernization China and the Arabs also played a big role in the process of southernization, but even more so northwestern Europeans. The Chinese spread their inventions which included gunpowder and porcelain, and the Arabs distributed slaves and spread crops. North western europeans were also involved in southernization, but only after they seized tropical territories. This is because they lacked the resources to participate in southernization. From there the Europeans began partaking in the trade of sugar, cotton, spices, and just about everything.
I agree with most of what Ms. Shaffer said because the world would indeed be a different place if it were not for southernization, and the advancements it created. -Juan Cruz Olea, 3rd Period
I agree with Nakya Southernization impacted the modern world greatly and a lot would be different if it wasn't for Southernization
ReplyDeleteMs. Shaffer's thesis in the article would be where she introduces the topic of the advancements in mathematics, and the improvements in the agriculture such as the spices and crops like cotton and sugar. I believe that her analysis is valid because she gave specific time periods, textual evidence that justifies her when she used certain terms and objects. -Vivica Remson Period 3
ReplyDelete