Post on 10-May-2015
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