Ming China

I. Indian Ocean Trade Sophisticated Asian sea trading network in place by 1400s Divided into 3 commercial zones: Arab, Indian, Chinese Not controlled by one central power, military largely absent from commercial activities Arrival of Portugal and other European powers bring big changes Very little to trade, often used force to obtain goods, established trading posts along coasts

II. China During the Age of Exploration Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Dominant Asian power at the time Founded by Hongwu, originally a peasant, in 1368 Sought to restore power of China, erase Mongol past Encouraged return to Confucian ideas –strong bureaucracy, examination system Cleaned up corruption, expelled foreign officials Eventually became a tyrant, killing thousands of government officials suspected of plotting against him Yunglo, son of Hongwu, continued to “rebuild” China after Mongols Began (1405) short-lived Chinese age of exploration, led by Zheng He and his “Treasure Fleet” Established a system of tribute throughout Indian Ocean

II. Continued… Prosperity, then isolation Social inequalities deepen Voyages mysteriously ended in 1433 – ships destroyed, many records burned International trade and commerce become highly regulated European contact initially brings wealth (new crops, silver), but… Confucian economic policies favored agriculture, not international trade Instituted policy of isolation - largely cut off from outside world because of fear of foreign influence, Confucian ideologies European contact limited to ports of Macao and Canton Social inequalities deepen Confucian scholar-gentry dominated society Did not pay taxes, bought out land from peasants, led to feudal-style system Very few opportunities for women – foot binding commonplace

II. Continued… Decline of the Ming Isolation took its toll on the economy/technological progress Other societies (Europe) began to surpass China in power and influence in Indian Ocean Corrupt leaders/landowners left society in disrepair Public works projects abandoned Desperate peasants resorted to selling children to slavery, cannibalism Internal rebellions led to the suicide of last Ming emperor, Chongzhen

EXIT TICKET 5-minute quick write: In what ways could a policy of isolationism have both positive and negative consequences for a society?