The Ming Dynasty ruled China from 1368 to 1644 and rebuilt the government and economy after defeating the Mongols. By 1400, Ming China had reinstated its education system, developed gunpowder and other technologies, and established large armies and a favorable position in international trade. While the Ming Emperor Yongle launched naval expeditions to East Africa in the early 1400s, later Ming rulers focused on internal development, limiting foreign trade and prioritizing border security and agriculture over expansion.

1. MING CHINA
1368-1644

2. “New” Dynasty in China – the Ming

3. In 1400, MING CHINA had . . .
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Rebuilt the government
and economy after the
Mongols of the Yuan
dynasty were defeated
Reinstated their education
system for scholarofficials
more wealth, resources, &
productivity in ag than
most empires

4. In 1400, MING CHINA had . . .
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

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
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
Ming Emperor Yongle sent several
government 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

9. Later Ming rulers INTERNAL
DEVELOPMENT over expansion


Trade with Europeans was limited.
The Chinese rulers placed emphasis on
border security, building campaigns in
China, and agricultural production for
China.

11. MING CHINA did NOT have . . .
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
momentum toward expansion,
technological innovation, or scientific
progress
armies as well-trained or as deadly as
the armies of Europe or the Islamic
empires