Manila Galleon

The Manila Galleon was a major trade route operating from the 16th to 19th centuries, linking Asia and the Americas via the Pacific Ocean. Spanish ships, called galleons, traveled yearly between Manila in the Philippines and Acapulco in Mexico. They transported silks, spices, porcelain, and other valuable goods from Asia to the Americas, where they were redistributed globally. This route facilitated cultural exchange and economic ties, making Manila a key hub in early global trade. The Galleon trade significantly influenced the development of colonies and contributed to the global exchange of commodities and ideas.