A. Ming Dynasty China Emperor Yongle public works projects New capital with temples and courts Overseas missions Writing of Encyclopedia 2. Confucainism/anti-Mongol policies Re-sinicizing Promote Confucianism Reinstate exam system
Yongle also ordered to build a massive network of structures in new capital Beijing in which government offices, officials, and the imperial family itself resided. After a painfully long construction time, the Forbidden City was finally completed and became the political capital of China for the next 500 years.
Ming Dynasty China 3. Economic boom Repaired infrastructure/fields 4. Zheng He’s voyages 1405--1433 100s ships/27,000 men Demonstration of Chinese power ??recalled/scuttled 1430s (world can come to us)
European Comparison (contrast to China) Ex. 100 year’s war Smaller states in constant conflict (contrast to China) Ex. 100 year’s war 2. Renaissance Revival of Greco/Roman art & philosophy Individual achievements Humanism
Comparing Maritime Voyages Portugal takes lead after 1415 Series of voyages with support of Pope Vasco da Gama (India 1497) 2. Smaller ships/fleets than Chinese Handful of ships/crews around 100
Motives/goals/support China: wealthy/no need to expand/centralized Europe: desperate to enter world economy competing states (with each other and Islamic Empire) merchants= economic opportunities Kings= new tax revenue/more power-land Church= spread faith