1. MING CHINA
1368-1644

2. “New” Dynasty in China – the Ming

3. In 1400, MING CHINA had . . .
 a stable government and
bureaucracy (after
overthrowing the last
Mongol rulers of the Yuan
dynasty)
 Reinstated their education
system for scholar-officials
and a highly
centralized government
 more wealth, resources, &
productivity in ag. than
most empires

4. In 1400, MING CHINA had . . .
 been using
gunpowder, the
compass, maps, and
moveable print
 larger armies than W.
Europe & good
shipbuilding
technology
 favorable terms for
international trade

5. Ming China expanded its power
 Ming Emperor Yongle sent several gov.-
sponsored expeditions in the early 1400s.
 Hundreds of ships and thousands of men
made diplomatic “contacts” and trade
connections from China to East Africa.

6. Voyages of the Chinese, 1405-1433

8. Ming rulers chose internal development
over trade and expansion
 By the late 1400s, Chinese officials
destroyed the journals about the
voyages.
 Trade with Europeans was limited.
 The Chinese rulers placed emphasis on
border security, building campaigns,
and agricultural production for China.

10. MING CHINA did NOT have . . .
 momentum toward expansion,
technological innovation, or scientific
progress
 armies as well-trained or as deadly as
the armies of Europe or the Islamic
empires
 The same motives as Europe for their
early maritime voyages