Chapter 3.2 China’s Exploration

Ming Dynasty Hongwu becomes first Ming emperor – drives Mongols out of China Begins agricultural reforms – increases food production Returns to traditional values in China Confucian values Merit-based government exams

Ming Dynasty Yonglo – Hongwu’s son Continues dad’s policies Moves capital city to Beijing Wants to expand China’s tribute system Tribute = payment from a weak country to a strong country to acknowledge its submission

Zheng He Zheng He = China’s greatest explorer Leads 7 voyages of Chinese exploration and discovery Purpose of travels = impress the world with China’s power Zheng He’s fleet = 40 – 300 ships, 27,000 people Distributed treasures to show Chinese superiority China received much tribute in return Chinese officials claim trips are worthless Why spend money telling the world what they already know?

Chinese Isolation China limits contact with outside world Foreign trade to occur in 3 ports only Building of Chinese businesses opposite of Chinese philosophy Foreign trade did not keep all $$ in China Believed farming was more honorable

Qing Dynasty Qing Dynasty takes over after the Ming Qing leaders not Chinese; they’re from Manchuria Many citizens disliked the leaders because of this Qing leaders earn citizens’ respect Upheld Confucian beliefs Make terrirory safe Bring China back to prosperity

Qing Dynasty Isolation continues China very arrogant Expect rest of world to “kowtow” to them Ritual to show submission Most countries too proud to kowtow to China Only Dutch participate in ritual – gain many economic benefits