The Manila Galleon was a trade ship that operated between Manila in the Philippines and Acapulco in Mexico from 1565 to 1815. It played a crucial role in the Spanish Empire by facilitating trade between Asia and the Americas. The galleons transported valuable goods such as silk, spices, and porcelain, significantly impacting global commerce. These ships typically made the journey once or twice a year, navigating the Pacific Ocean. The Manila Galleon trade established a vital link between the East and West, contributing to cultural exchanges and the spread of goods, ideas, and people across continents.