In 1565 Urdaneta opened one of the most important trade routes in the world, which reported the western Pacific and Asia with America, would remain in force for 250 years, through the famous Manila Galleon.
Once a year a galleon (once were two galleons) put southbound sailing from Acapulco and between parallels 10 and 11, then west up and kept between 13 and 14 to Mariana, by the Cavite, Philippines. In total, covering 2,200 miles over 50 to 60 days. The return trip was made heading to Japan to take the current Kuro Shiva, but in 1596 the Japanese captured galleon and was advised that a change of itinerary. Started then southeast to 11 degrees, then up to 22 and from there to 17. After coming to America at the height of Cape Mendocino, where down coast to Acapulco. The danger of the route advised leaving Manila in July, but could be delayed until August. After this month was impossible to make the crossing, which had to be postponed for a year. The return trip delayed five or six months and hence the arrival in Acapulco was made in December or January.
trips were long and hard and many people died in them, victims of scurvy or starvation. There were times when they are paid huge sums of money fresh meat of the rats that swarmed in the cellar. This had to add the danger of pirate raids. Taking into account that more than 250 years this trade route lasted only four galleons were caught, we can say that the problem of piracy was quite secondary. Other problems were temporary and the calm, and that by failing to wind galleons was impossible to advance.
The success of the Manila Galleon route was made possible by the Mexican silver, which had a high price in Asia, since the existing bimetallic ratio favoring it in relation to gold. Asia say that the money was more scarce than in Europe. This allowed her to buy most items made in Asia sumptuous, a very cheap price and then sell it in America and in Europe with a huge profit.
Links:
footsteps of Urdaneta : A documentary that shows the life of Andres de Urdaneta and Cerain.
Sources: Wikipedia, www.almendron.com
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