AIM: THE MING DYNASTY IN CHINA Global History & Geography Regents Review Unit 4 Section 2

Restoration of Chinese Rule In 1368, about 90 years after Mongol leader Kublai Khan had established Mongol Rule in China, Chinese rule was restored under the Ming Dynasty. Although the Mongols had improved trade and transportation, many Chinese resented foreign rule. In 1368, a peasant led rebellion successfully overthrew the Mongols leading to the establishment of the Ming Dynasty.

The Middle Kingdom Under the Ming, China was once again ruled by the Chinese. Ming leaders sought to restore the country’s greatness and its supremacy in the region. China traditionally through of itself as the Middle Kingdom, the center of the earth and the source of civilization. Ming rulers enacted reforms to improve the government. They brought back the civil service system in which candidates for government jobs had to take and pass difficult exams. Confucian teachings became important once again. Ming leaders also sought to get rid of bureaucracy and government corruption.

Looking Outward and Turning Inward During the first several decades of the 1400s, the Chinese Admiral Zheng He established trade links with many distant commerce centers and brought exotic animals back to China. In 1433, Zheng He died, and the next Ming Emperor banned the building of large oceangoing ships which caused China to stop overseas trade and exploration. The new Emperors believed that the trips were not profitable for China and Confucian teaching taught that China was superior to others and to preserve those beliefs; foreign influences should be limited.

Economic and Cultural Contributions Agriculture: The Ming’s had advancements in fertilizers which led to a great expansion of farming. In the 1500’s, corn and sweet potatoes were introduced from the Americas which further improved food production. Industry and Trade: The Ming’s made advances in the making of porcelain, tools, and paper. The Ming’s also improved Canals and trade links such as roads throughout China. Arts and Literature: The arts flowered during the Ming Dynasty. Artists developed new styles of landscape painting and created beautiful porcelain jars and vases. Confucian scholars produced poetry and popular fiction. Dramatic artists combined drama, music, and dance.

China and the West European Interest in China: When Portuguese and other European merchants reached Asia in the 1500s, they were impressed by Chinese goods. Especially in regard to guns, gunpowder, porcelain and silk. Chinese Indifference: Ming leaders severely restricted foreign trade believing that Europeans were inferior. Some Europeans such as Jesuit Priest Matteo Ricci did gain acceptance among the Ming. In the 1580s, the Chinese welcomed Ricci who shared with them his knowledge of European arts and sciences. The Chinese were not interested in Ricci’s religious teachings.

China’s Impact Within Asia Over time, Chinese civilization exerted a cultural influence over its neighbors in Asia. Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia were affected by China’s customs and values Korea: Throughout history, China has influenced it’s smaller neighbor Korea. China has even taken control of Korea at times. Korea has always maintained its own culture, however they have adapted many Chinese custom and cultural items including the civil service system. Korea learned to make porcelain but developed their own distinctive blue-green glaze known as Celadon. Korea also developed their own system of writing. The Korean language is completely unrelated to the Chinese.

Japan: Korea served as cultural bridge linking China with the Japanese islands. In the 500s, missionaries from Korea introduced Buddhism and other aspects of Chinese culture to Japan. Japanese scholars spent a great deal of time studying in China. Japanese paintings were often influenced by Chinese landscape techniques. Zen Buddhism greatly influenced Japanese society including its theater, literature, and art. Southeast Asia: The diverse cultures in Southeast Asia were influenced by traders from China and India. Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam all entered the region. Indian influences prevailed in much of Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, China exerted a great deal of influence. China had ruled Vietnam for 1,000 years. Although China had great influence in Vietnam, they maintained their own distinctive cultural identity.

Summary The Ming dynasty restored Chinese rule and remained in power for more than 250 years. During this period, China prospered economically and culturally. After 1433, however, the Chinese sought to limit contact with the outside world. Europeans established some trading posts in China but the Chinese saw little value in products from the West. Chinese culture continued to exert a strong influence over Korea, Japan, and much of Southeast Asia, especially in Vietnam.