INTRODUCTION

This PDF file is about the history of Macau, a city with a long history that goes back to the
fifteenth century when local fishermen built the A-Ma Temple. In the following century, Europeans
arrived and set up a settlement with temporary structures for shelter. Within fifty years, strong
forts and great churches had been built, and the Portuguese people claimed the territory as their
own. The PDF file tells the story of how the Portuguese settlement became permanent and how
the Macanese people developed their own strong sense of identity. Macau endured the great
crisis of World War II when almost half a million refugees poured into the territory from
Guangzhou and Hong Kong to find safety from a deadly enemy. Macau willingly gave them
refuge. Since the Handover from Portuguese to Chinese administration in 1999, Macau has
enjoyed rapid progress and great prosperity.

1.CONQUEST AND CONCILIATION –THE PORTUGUESE COME TO EAST ASIA,1513-1521

This PDF file provides information about the Portuguese conquest and conciliation in East Asia
between 1513 and 1521. The Portuguese seamen explored the west coast of Africa in the
fifteenth century and reached India in the late 1400s, establishing a commercial and strategic
empire greater than any other power in Europe. The PDF file describes the challenges and
successes of the Portuguese in East Asia, including their profitable trade in pepper and their
attempts to negotiate with local officials. However, their relationship with the Chinese authorities
was difficult and unpredictable, leading to disastrous consequences for some Portuguese
envoys. Despite these setbacks, the Portuguese legacy in East Asia, particularly in Macau, has
had a lasting impact on the region for the past five centuries.
Timeline: 1488 - Bartholomew Diaz rounds the Cape of Good Hope, opening up a sea route to
Asia for the Portuguese.
1498 - Vasco da Gama arrives in Calicut, India, establishing the first Portuguese trading post in
Asia. Late 15th century - Portuguese forts begin to dot the coast of Africa and Asia, establishing
a commercial and strategic empire greater than any other power in Europe.
1513 - Jorge Álvares becomes the first Portuguese to reach China, establishing a trading post in
Tamão (Lintin).
1517 - Tomé Pires is appointed as the first Portuguese ambassador to China, but his mission
ends in disaster when Simão de Andrade behaves offensively towards the Chinese authorities.
1521 - Álvares dies at Lintin, and the Portuguese struggle to maintain their trading posts in
China.
1557 - The Portuguese establish a permanent settlement in Macau, which becomes the furthest
extent of the Portuguese empire and the first and last European colony in East Asia.
1999 - The Portuguese occupation of Macau ends, marking the end of the Portuguese empire in
East Asia.

2 – THE GREAT DAYS OF MACAU, 1557-1621

This PDF file provides a detailed account of the history of Macau, from the early days of
Portuguese traders trying to establish trade with China to the growth of a thriving settlement. The
text describes the challenges faced by the Portuguese traders, including language barriers,
cultural differences, and the hostility of the Chinese authorities. Despite these obstacles, the
Portuguese were able to establish a profitable trade relationship with China, and a settlement
began to grow in Macau. Over time, the settlement became more permanent, with elaborate
buildings being erected. The document also provides information on the role of the Senate in the
governance of Macau and how the settlement was able to thrive for many years. The relationship
between the Portuguese merchants and the Chinese mandarins is also explored in detail,
including how this relationship was a local arrangement that suited both parties. Overall, this PDF
file provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the history of Macau, including the
challenges faced by Portuguese traders, the growth of the settlement, and the relationship
between the Portuguese merchants and the Chinese mandarins.
Timeline: - Early 16th century: Portuguese traders begin to establish trade with China.
- 1557: A settlement begins to grow in Macau, with temporary structures built of bamboo and
rattan mats for walls.
- Late 16th century: Elaborate buildings are erected in Macau, making the settlement more
permanent and costly.
- 17th century: Macau and its merchants become the beneficiaries of a number of very favorable
circumstances, including the decision made in the 14th century by the Chinese authorities to
allow foreign trade at Guangzhou.
- 18th century: The Senate is established in Macau to govern the settlement.
- 1849: The Portuguese government takes over the administration of Macau from the Senate.
- Late 18th century: The Chinese authorities begin to restrict foreign trade, leading to a decline in
Macau's prosperity.
- 19th century: Macau becomes a center for smuggling and piracy, leading to conflicts with the
Chinese authorities.
- 20th century: Macau becomes a Portuguese colony until 1999, when it is returned to China as a
Special Administrative Region.

3 –DEFENDING AND REBUILDING MACAU,1622-1637

This PDF file provides information about the challenges faced by Macau in the early seventeenth
century. Despite facing commercial and military threats from the English and Dutch trading firms,
the Portuguese were able to protect their stronghold with the construction of forts and strategic
planning. The file describes the construction of the Church of St. Paul, which was a Jesuit
foundation and a remarkable building that amazed visitors. However, the church and the college
buildings fell into ruin over the years, and a spectacular fire broke out in 1835, destroying the
church. The PDF file also discusses the end of the Portuguese trade with Japan and the fall of
the Ming dynasty in China, which brought an end to Macau's commercial prosperity. The
Christian mission of the Jesuits, followed later by the Dominicans and Franciscans, became
stifled by infighting and commercial opportunism. Despite these challenges, Macau remained a
Portuguese stronghold and a center of trade and commerce in the Far East.
Timeline: Early 17th century: Macau faces commercial and military threats from the English and
Dutch trading firms.
Early 17th century: The Portuguese construct forts and engage in strategic planning to protect
their stronghold in Macau.
Early 17th century: The Church of St. Paul is constructed in Macau, which is a Jesuit foundation
and a remarkable building that amazes visitors.
Late 17th century: The Portuguese trade with Japan comes to an end, and the fall of the Ming
dynasty in China brings an end to Macau's commercial prosperity.
Late 17th century: The Christian mission of the Jesuits, followed later by the Dominicans and
Franciscans, becomes stifled by infighting and commercial opportunism.
18th century: French Jesuits come to staff the college in Macau, and King Louis XIV of France
gives the church a fine clock.
1820s: The empty college buildings fall into ruin, and a Portuguese artillery officer writes that the
Convent now serves as the habitation of the most robust rats.
1835: A spectacular fire breaks out in Macau, destroying the Church of St. Paul.

4 –THE VIOLENT END OF TRADE WITH JAPAN,1638-1640

This PDF file provides a comprehensive history of Portuguese contact with Japan, covering
topics such as trade, religion, and politics. The file begins by discussing the early success of the
trade partnership between Portugal and Japan, which was facilitated by the Jesuit missionaries
who arrived in Japan in the mid-16th century. However, tensions between the two countries
eventually led to Japan's long isolation from the rest of the world, which lasted until the 1850s.
The file explores the various factors that contributed to Japan's isolation, including the rise of the
Tokugawa shogunate and the expulsion of foreign missionaries. It also discusses the efforts of
Western powers to re-establish contact with Japan in the mid-19th century, which ultimately led
to the opening of Japan to the world. Overall, this PDF file provides a fascinating look at the
complex history of Portuguese contact with Japan and its impact on both countries.
Timeline: 1542 - Portuguese navigator Fernão Mendes Pinto discovers Japan.
Mid-16th century - Jesuit missionaries arrive in Japan and facilitate a successful trade
partnership between Portugal and Japan.
1580 - 150,000 people in Japan become Christians, and the number grows to about half a million
by 1615.
17th century - Tensions between Portugal and Japan lead to Japan's long isolation from the rest
of the world, which lasts for more than two centuries.
1850s - Western powers, including the United States, Britain, and France, begin to pressure
Japan to open its ports to foreign trade.
1853 - Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States arrives in Japan with a fleet of warships
and demands that Japan open its ports to foreign trade.
1854 - Japan signs the Treaty of Kanagawa with the United States, which opens two ports to
American ships and establishes a US consulate in Japan.
1868 - The Meiji Restoration marks the beginning of a period of rapid modernization and
industrialization in Japan. Late 19th century - Japan becomes a major world power and begins to
expand its empire through military conquest.

5 – HARD TIMES, 1641-1719

This PDF file provides a historical account of Macau, a former Portuguese colony in China. The
text describes the challenges faced by the Portuguese in maintaining control over the territory,
including conflicts with the Chinese authorities and internal divisions among the Portuguese
themselves. The loss of trading partners in the 17th century had a significant impact on Macau's
economy and society, leading to poverty and starvation for many residents. Despite these
difficulties, Macau managed to survive through a combination of bribery and trade with other
countries. The text also highlights the cultural and religious influences that shaped Macau's
history, including the spread of Christianity and the establishment of various religious orders.
Overall, the PDF file provides a detailed and informative account of Macau's complex and
fascinating history.
Timeline: - 1557: The Portuguese establish a settlement in Macau, which becomes a center for
trade with China and other parts of Asia.
- 1622: The Dutch attack Macau but are repelled by the Portuguese.
- 1640: Portugal successfully rebels against Spain, leading to the loss of the profitable Manila
trade for Macau.
- 1641: The Dutch seize Malacca, cutting off Macau from its parent and severing the link to Goa,
an important Portuguese base in India.
- 1662: An uprising in Guangdong province leads to the evacuation of the coastline and the flight
of the Chinese population from Macau. The territory survives through bribery and trade with
Siam.
- 1844: The Chinese government recognizes Portuguese sovereignty over Macau.
- 1949: The Communist Party takes control of mainland China, leading to an influx of refugees
into Macau.
- 1999: Portugal returns Macau to Chinese sovereignty, and it becomes a Special Administrative
Region of China.

6 – STRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL, 1720-1849

This PDF file provides a historical account of Macau's trade relations in the eighteenth century. It
begins by discussing the role of the Jesuits in establishing trade between China and Macau in
the seventeenth century. It then moves on to describe the challenges faced by Macau in the
eighteenth century, including the decline of the Portuguese empire, competition from other
trading ports, and conflicts with the Chinese government. Despite these challenges, Macau
slowly improved its status over time, thanks in part to the efforts of Governor João Pereira
Ramos, who worked to improve relations with the Chinese government and expand trade
opportunities. The file concludes by discussing the impact of the Opium War and the eventual
transfer of Macau to Chinese control in 1999.
Timeline: - Seventeenth century: Jesuits establish trade between China and Macau
- Eighteenth century: Macau faces challenges including decline of Portuguese empire,
competition from other trading ports, and conflicts with Chinese government
- Late eighteenth century: Governor João Pereira Ramos works to improve relations with
Chinese government and expand trade opportunities
- 1999: Macau transferred to Chinese control

7 –MACAU GRAPPLES WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD,1850-1937

This PDF file provides a detailed account of Macau's history from the second half of the
nineteenth century until 1937. The region faced various challenges during this period, including
painful encounters with the outside world and attempts at modernization. One significant period
of prosperity was marredThis PDF file provides a comprehensive exploration of the history of
Macau from the second half of the nineteenth century until 1937. The region faced numerous
challenges during this period but also experienced significant progress and attempts at
modernization. Macau's journey was marked by both beneficial and detrimental efforts to adapt
to the outside world and improve its society. The "coolie trade" in the mid-19th century brought
prosperity to Macau but also caused immense suffering and exploitation. Despite these
challenges, Macau made strides towards modernization, with some initiatives proving successful
while others fell short.
Timeline: 1850s-1874: Macau experiences a period of prosperity, but it is overshadowed by the
dark episode of the "coolie trade" .
Late 19th century: Macau makes attempts at modernization .
1902: Carlos Montalto de Jesus publishes "Historic Macao," expressing pessimism about
Macau's future and suggesting placing it under the tutelage of the League of Nations .
1926: Montalto de Jesus publishes a second edition of his book, reiterating concerns about
Macau's future and proposing the idea of placing it under the League of Nations' guardianship
June 14, 1926: Reviews of Montalto de Jesus' book in two Hong Kong newspapers, the South
China Morning Post and the Hongkong Telegraph, applaud the idea of placing Macau under the
League of Nations' tutelage .
1937: Macau, along with its larger neighbor, becomes caught up in a catastrophic conflict .

8 –WORLD WAR II – MACAU’S FINEST HOUR,1938-1945

Macau played a significant role in World War II as a refuge for thousands of people fleeing the
Japanese invasion of Hong Kong. The city's population grew rapidly during the war, and it
struggled to accommodate the influx of refugees. Despite the challenges, Macau managed to
provide a safe haven for those seeking refuge. The war came dangerously close to Macau in
1945 when American naval aircraft struck neutral Macau, destroying stores of aviation fuel at the
Naval Aviation Centre and causing casualties. After the war, Macau's experience shaped its
identity and relationship with China and Portugal. The city became a hub for trade and tourism,
and its unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese culture became a major attraction. Today,
Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China, with a thriving economy and a rich cultural
heritage. Overall, Macau's role in World War II was a defining moment in its history, and it
continues to shape the city's identity and relationship with the world.
Timeline: 1931: War between China and Japan breaks out in Manchuria and gradually moves
closer to Macau.
1937: Shanghai is occupied, and a terrible atrocity occurs in Nanjing, where more than 200,000
people were killed when the Imperial Japanese Army occupied the city.
1938: A flood of refugees begins to arrive in Macau when nearby Guangzhou is occupied by the
Japanese. Following the fall of Guangzhou on 22 October 1938, 20,000 people crossed the
border into Macau on a single day.
1942: Arrangements are made for a ship-load of refugees to go to Macau on 8 February 1942 in
the Japanese ship Shirogane Maru. These were people without work or resources. They arrived
in Macau destitute and starving.
1945: American naval aircraft strike neutral Macau, destroying stores of aviation fuel at the Naval
Aviation Centre and causing casualties.
Post-War: Macau's experience during World War II shapes its identity and relationship with China
and Portugal. The city becomes a hub for trade and tourism, and its unique blend of Chinese and
Portuguese culture becomes a major attraction. Today, Macau is a Special Administrative Region
of China, with a thriving economy and a rich cultural heritage.

9 –RECOVERY AND TRANSFORMATION:MACAU RETURNS TO CHINA 1946 TO THE

PRESENT
This PDF file provides a detailed historical account of Macau, a former Portuguese colony that is
now a Special Administrative Region of China. The text covers Macau's transformation from a
forgotten relic of the old Portuguese Empire to a wealthy and prosperous region, with a focus on
the changing economic and political circumstances that led to this transformation. The
establishment of the gambling industry and the modernization of marine transport are highlighted
as key factors in Macau's rise to prominence. The PDF also discusses the impact of political
turmoil in China on the people of Macau during the post-war years, including the exodus of
younger people seeking employment elsewhere. Overall, the PDF offers a comprehensive
overview of Macau's journey through the years, providing valuable insights into the region's
history and development.
Timeline: - c. 2200 BC: Chinese fishermen begin to settle in the area that is now Macau.
- 1513: Portuguese traders arrive in Macau and establish a trading post.
- 1557: Portugal is granted sovereignty over Macau by the Chinese Ming dynasty.
- 1844: The Treaty of Whampoa is signed, granting Portugal perpetual colonial rights over
Macau.
- 1941-1945: Macau is occupied by Japan during World War II.
- 1949: The Chinese Communist Party comes to power, leading to political turmoil in China.
- 1951: Portugal officially recognizes Chinese sovereignty over Macau, but retains control over
the territory.
- 1966: The People's Republic of China declares Macau a "Chinese territory under Portuguese
administration."
- 1974: The Carnation Revolution in Portugal leads to a shift in policy towards its colonies,
including Macau.
- 1987: Portugal and China begin negotiations over the future of Macau.
- 1999: Macau is transferred from Portuguese to Chinese sovereignty and becomes a Special
Administrative Region of China.
- 2005: 29 sites in Macau are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage register.
- 2009: Construction begins on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.
- 2018: The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge is completed, connecting Macau to Hong Kong
and mainland China.