World History Honors-Mr. Cimijotti

 Because of European exploration, the need for relationships with East Asia arose.  First with China and later Japan.  By 1514, when Portugal set anchor, the Mongols were driven out of China.  United under a new dynasty.

Became a dominant power in Asia under the Ming dynasty Vassal states from Korea to Southwest Asia paid their Ming overlords regular tribute. (submission tax). The Ming dynasty expected the same from the Europeans. – Did not want outsiders to threaten the peace and prosperity they brought to China.

The Rise of the Ming: – Hongwu, commanded the rebel army that drove the Mongols out of China in – Became the first Ming Emperor. – Ruled from the city of Nanjing. Reforms: – Restore agricultural land destroyed by war. » Increased production and improved irrigation. – Erase all traces of the Mongol past. – Promote China’s power and prosperity. – Encouraged fish farming and growing commercial crops such as cotton and sugar cane. – Used respected traditions and institutions to bring stability. » Encouraged a return to Confucian moral standards. » Restored merit based civil service examination system. – When problems developed, became ruthless tyrant.

He conducted purges of the government, killing thousands of officials. His death in 1398 led to a power struggle. His son, Yonglo, emerged victorious. Continued many of his fathers policies. Moved royal court to Beijing he launched the first of seven voyages of exploration. Wanted to impress the world with the power of Ming China and to expand the tribute system.

 The Voyages of Zheng He Chinese Muslim Admiral  Led all seven voyages.  Expeditions were large.  Distances  Fleet size  Ship measurements.  Voyages ranged from Southeast Asia to eastern Africa.  Crew numbered over 27,000 on some voyages.  Everywhere he went, he distributed gifts.  Over 16 nations sent tributes.  After a seventh voyage, in 1433, China withdrew into isolationism.

Ming Relations with Foreign Countries: – Trade policies in the 1500’s reflected its isolationism. – Only the government conducted foreign trade. Through the ports of Canton, Macao and Ningbo. In reality, trade flourished up and down the coast. Merchants smuggled cargoes of silk, porcelain and other valuable goods out of the country into European hands. Demand for Chinese goods rippled throughout the economy. China did not industrialize because of Confucian beliefs. The economy favored agriculture. – Taxes on agriculture stayed low. – Taxes on manufacturing and trade increased.

 Christian missionaries entered China. Brought Christianity and knowledge of European science and technology. First missionary was an Italian Jesuit named Matteo Ricci. Gained favor at the Ming court through his intelligence and fluency in Chinese.

 By 1600, the Ming had ruled for more than 200 years. Problems arose  Corrupt officials.  Ineffective rulers  Higher taxes  Bad harvests  Civil strife and rebellion followed.  In 1644, the Manchus invaded China and the Ming dynasty collapsed.

 Manchus seized Beijing.  The Qing dynasty begins. Rule for more than 260 years. Expanded China’s borders to include Taiwan, Chinese Central Asia, Mongolia and Tibet.  China Under the Qing Many Chinese resisted the rule of the non- Chinese Manchus. Slowly earned the peoples respect. Upheld Confucian beliefs and social structure. Made the countries frontier safe. Restored prosperity.

 The rulers Kangxi: Became emperor in 1661 and ruled for 60 years.  Reduced government expenses.  Lowered taxes.  A scholar and patron of the arts.  Offered the intelligentsia government positions.  Jesuits joined his court.  Discussed with the emperor the developments in:  Science  Mathematics  medicine

 Under Qian-long China reached its greatest size. An industrious worker. Expanding Europe’s presence in China.  Missionaries and merchants.  Manchus Continue Isolationism China is called the Middle Kingdom Cultural center of the universe for 2000 years. If foreign countries wanted to trade, they must follow Chinese rules.  They paid the emperors tributes.  Performed the kowtow ritual.  Accepted the Dutch as trading partners.

The Dutch returned home with:  Porcelains  Silk  Tea  Korea Under the Manchus 1636-Conquered Korea A Vassal state. Organized their government according to Confucian principals.  Adopted China’s technology, its culture and its policy of isolationism.

 General peace and prosperity.  Most families farmed the lands.  Qing Irrigation and fertilizer use increased Grew rise and new crops such as corn and potatoes. Nutrition improved and families expanded. Chinese families favored sons over daughters. Sons would raise their families under his parents roof.

 Many female infants were killed.  Women’s roles Worked in the fields Supervised the children’s education. Managed the families finances. Some women had outside jobs such as midwives or textile workers.

 Cultural Developments: Early China was based on traditional forms. Dream of the Red Chamber was written Artists painted in traditional styles.  Valued technique over creativity.  Pottery-technical skill led to high quality of ceramics. Drama was a popular entertainment.