1. The Ming Dynasty China’s greatest exploration dynasty Chinese characters for Navy

2. The Chinese Take Their Country Back After Kublai Khan’s death in 1294, the Yuan dynasty declined. In 1368, under the leadership of a peasant, an army was formed and defeated the Mongols. The new Chinese dynasty was called the Ming Their first emperor was Hong Wu….a peasant. Q. How common is it for a person from lower classes to rule a country?

3. The Ming Dynasty The Ming dynasty lasted from 1368 to 1644. The Ming rulers sought to restore China’s former greatness. Their first initiative was to restore Confucianism as the main education system. Confucianism: concerned with principles of good conduct, practical wisdom, proper social relationships. Set the patterns of living and standards of culture and politics.

4. Other Accomplishments of the Ming Government became centralized and decisions were made with few trusted eunuchs. Q. Why did they trust eunuchs? Improved the economy thru AGRICULTURE: *irrigation rebuilt *free land, tools, seeds and farm animals *more food allows others to become artisans=production increases Improved economy thru TRADE: Increased trade with theMing Navy to impose control over foreign trade and impress foreigners with power and might of Navy

5. The Ming Navy The Ming had one of the largest navies ever. Led by Admiral Zheng He, the fleet had over 337 ships and 28,000 sailors…largest marine craft the world had ever seen 7 great expeditions: he traveled the world bringing back envoys from 30 countries to pay their respect for privilege of trading with China. Click on picture

6. The Ming Navy Gave away Chinese silk & porcelain in return brought back zebras, giraffes, etc. Always paid respect to local deities and customs. Historian Gavin Mendies claims he reached America in 1420, but confirming records of travels were destroyed and colonies forgotten.

7. Zheng He’s 7 Expeditions = GLOBALIZATION Q. In your own words, what is GLOBALIZATION?

8. The Ming Decline Exploration and Trade is STOPPED after Zheng He’s death=Economy faulters as a result of ISOLATIONISM *Believed too expensive *Money could be better used for agriculture *Money used for the building of Forbidden City *Money used to build the Great Wall High taxes on commoners to pay for wasteful events (lavish feasts for 6000 guests) Ignoring of government affairs: Emperor Wanli and opium