The Voyages of Zheng He

1.Who was Zheng He?

The Voyages of Zheng He He was a Muslim Eunuch in China who was made admiral for seven expeditions.

From 1405 until 1433, Admiral Zheng He made 7 voyages. 2. To where did he travel? – 4 places

2. Southeast Asia, India, the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa

3. How big were the fleets?

3. The fleets ranged from about 40 ships to over 400 depending on the expedition

4. What can you tell me about China based on this picture?

4. China was the most technologically advanced place on Earth during the 1400’s

5. How did these ships navigate that was different than the way other cultures sailed?

5. They sailed on the open seas as opposed to other cultures that simply followed the coast.

6. What part of the world is pictured here?

The first voyage, , visited Southeast Asia. Impressed with China’s wealth and power, local rulers sent ambassadors back with the fleet to pay tribute (money and goods) to the emperor.

7. What does this picture tell you about the voyages of Zheng He?

The fifth voyage, , also sailed down the east coast of Africa making stops at Mogadishu and Malindi. He returned home with exotic animals.

8. What does this photograph represent about the sixth voyage of Zheng He?

The sixth voyage, , concentrated on the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa. Zheng He, a Muslim, is thought to have made the hajj during this voyage.

9. What was the result of Zheng He’s voyages?

9.With Zheng He’s death, the voyages ended. With pressure from the scholar officials, the ships were destroyed as well were records of the voyages. The Chinese felt that the expeditions cost more that the profits they made.

10. Define Isolationism and explain why China adopted this policy?

Isolationism a policy adopted by China of isolating the empire from the affairs of other nations by declining to enter into alliances, trade agreements, or overseas exploration. China sought to devote the entire efforts of the empire to its own advancement and remain at peace by avoiding foreign entanglements and responsibilities to foreign countries.