King Felipe II of Castille, r. 1453-1479
"So, what are you proposing, my humble Captain Cortes? That we send out expeditions to explore and..colonize...new lands?"
"Precisely, Sire."
"But certainly, all the land would be already occupied? Settled? Do you propose stealing these lands?"
"Not at all, your Majesty. There are, without a doubt, nations with a level of civilization comparable to our own and that
of our neighbors in Europe. Those we would trade with, and may have to war with if it is necessary. Otherwise, however, my
learned colleagues have estimated that there are vast lands occupied by uncivilized heathen native tribes. Some will be
hostile, yes, but we beleive the majority will tolerate our presence and can eventually be converted to the True Faith."
"Interesting, but what benefits could be gained from this colonization?"
"Just like the Romans did a thousand years ago, we could find lands with exotic goods..."
"Gold??"
"Gold, ivory, tobacco, spices...and more. And reap the profits of a burgeoning trade."
"Castille will become an Empire, spanning the world! By royal decree, I order we begin a Quest for the New World!"
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The first mission of exploration began in the Year of our Lord 1460 with a fleet under Captain Hernando de Alarcon carrying a regiment commanded by Captain Diego Cortes. They first discovered the lands of Kawachi, Kozuke, Kaga and Kii that were neighboring the formidable nation of Japan. Japan was also allied with the equally powerful Ming Empire. The newly discovered lands were brimming with riches such as china, exotic handmade rugs and other exquisite goods, making them too good to pass up. The Japanese were known to be an extremely honor-bound people, and it was hoped that this would prevent them from invading the new colonies.
The first settlers arrived in Kozuke, Kawachi and Kaga in 1461. By 1500, full thriving colonies had also been established in Kii and Ise. In November 1501, the colonial governor of Ise was informed that some 4,000 Japanese soldiers had established themselves close to what Castille had believed to be the border. He wrote to his superiors in Asturias, and was astonished to receive a reply stating that there had never been a formal border established with Japan - and in fact, no formal diplomatic mission had ever been sent! An envoy had been dispatched in reaction to this realization, and reported that the Japanese, while not upset, were growing increasingly wary of what they referred to as "nanman" - "southern barbarians" - encroaching on their homeland. This situation was rectified with a formal mission and diplomatic gift.
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