Eighteenth-Century Studies

At first sight, the Pacific Ocean seems to be almost ignored in Raynal's discussion of European explorations and settlements in the East and West Indies. But despite his condemnation of the harm done by Europeans, the predominant message of his work is positive, evoking the material and cultural benefits that will flow from communication and unhindered commerce between peoples. In fact, the Pacific is implicitly ever-present as the crucial link that will complete the circle of the world's trade. Realization of its potential has been obstructed hitherto by the weakness and misguided policies of the Spanish; extraordinary men of energy such as Cook are needed to overcome such obstacles.