The Manila Galleon: How Silver Ships Forged a Global Economy

Lucas and Luna explore the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade, the backbone of Spain's Pacific empire. They trace how silver from Potosí crossed the Pacific to Ming China, fueling commerce and transforming Manila into a melting pot of Asian, European, and American cultures. The episode unpacks the galleon's construction in Filipino shipyards, the grueling four-month voyages that claimed thousands of lives, and the economic ripple effects—from Chinese demand for silver to the rise of a global silver standard. Lucas highlights the role of the Parián, Manila's Chinese quarter, and the pivotal 1762 British occupation of Manila. Luna asks about the galleon's crew, the infamous tornaviaje, and why the trade ended after 250 years. They also touch on the environmental cost: deforestation in the Philippines to build the ships. No prior episode has focused solely on the galleon's mechanics and legacy. This conversation offers a fresh lens on early globalization through the ships that linked three continents. #ManilaGalleon #Acapulco #SilverTrade #Potosi #MingChina #SpanishEmpire #PacificHistory #Globalization #Parian #Tornaviaje #AndresdeUrdaneta #BritishOccupation1762 #PhilippineHistory #GalleonTrade #ColonialEconomy #History #FexingoHistory #WorldHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo