1. Ming China

2. 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

3. II. China During the Age of Exploration
Ming Dynasty ( )
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

4. 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

5. 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

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