Discuss the impact of the voyages of Vasco da Gama (1498) and Magellan (1519) on South-East Asia.

This question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the voyages of Da Gama and Magellan and South-East Asia. The consequences of the voyages may extend beyond the timeframe but must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may offer equal coverage of Da Gama and Magellan or they may prioritize their examination of one of them. However, both individuals will be a feature of the response. A comparative approach may or may not be used. Candidates may refer to the impact of territorial acquisitions by Europeans, destruction of local authorities, enforced subservience of local populations as well as cultural changes such as the introduction of Christianity and other European cultural norms, and opposition to the spread of Islam. Economic impacts on trade routes, goods production and distribution may also be considered. While other relevant interrelationships may be considered, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question.

The question required candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of the voyages of Da Gama and Magellan and South-East Asia. Candidates may have used a chronological approach or a thematic approach to this question and either was valid.