ming china intro

MING CHINA

1368-1644

“New” Dynasty in China – the Ming

In 1400, MING CHINA had . . . Rebuilt the government

and economy after the Mongols of the Yuan dynasty were defeated

Reinstated their education system for scholar-officials

more wealth, resources, & productivity in ag than most empires

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

Ming China expanded its power

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.

Voyages of the Chinese, 1405-1433

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.

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