Exploration to Isolation

Ming Dynasty  Hongwu, a peasant, led an army that drove out the Mongols, and became the 1 st Ming Emperor.  Restored agricultural land, erased all traces of the Mongols, promoted China’s power and prosperity.  Agricultural reforms increased rice production, improved irrigation, introduction of fish farming and commercial crops of cotton and sugar cane.  Yonglo, his son, moved the capital from Nanjing to Beijing  Launched the first of the seven voyages of exploration led by Chinese Muslim Zheng He

Zheng He  Earliest voyages were to Southeast Asia, and India, then to Arabia and eastern Africa.  Yonglo had hoped to exand China’s tribute system.  Zheng He sailed with 40 to 300 ships, fighting ships, storage vessels, and treasure ships up to 440 feet long.  They had about 27,000 crew members, which were composed of sailors, soldiers, carpenters, interpreters, accountants, doctors, and religious leaders.  They were a floating city.  Zheng He distributed gifts such as gold, silver, silk, and scented oils which showed China’s superiority  16 countries sent tribute, many envoys traveled to China.  The scholar-officials complained that the voyages wasted resources.  After the 7 th voyage, China withdrew into self-sufficient isolation.

A Chinese Junk and a European Caravel

Qing Dynasty  The Manchus invaded the weak Ming.  Chinese men were forced to wear a pigtail as a sign of submission to the Manchus.  Upheld Confucian beliefs and social structure.  Restored prosperity and made the frontiers safe.  Foreigners could only trade in special ports and pay tribute.  Made Korea a vassal state, and adopted Chinese customs.