1. China after the Mongols
Ming Dynasty
China after the Mongols

2. Foundation After Kublai, Mongol rule of China weakened
Things grew worse for many Chinese
Zhu Yuan Zhang, a commoner, successfully rebelled, named himself emperor Hong Wu
How common is it for a person from lower classes to rule a country? How many US presidents have been from the lowest class?

3. Government Hong Wu distrusted officials, making decisions with Eunuchs
Trusted because they couldn’t have kids, less of a threat
enacted new harsh law codes
reformed local government
reorganized the tax system
reintroduced the Civil Service Exam
posts open to literate Chinese replacing Mongols
Caused reemergence of Confucian ideals

4. Economy Irrigation systems rebuilt
Offered land and supplies to those willing to repopulate the North.
Increased agriculture = Population Growth = Specialization
Caused a growth in culture as new wealth demanded new entertainment
Under the third emperor, created encyclopedia, totaling 23,000 manuscripts
Draw parallel with fact that 2% of US population is farmers and
allows other 98% to produce other goods and services

5. Chinese Columbus A Chinese Muslim, named Zheng He, became an Admiral
He would lead 7 expeditions from
The goal was to establish a presence in the Monsoon Marketplace
Impress others with Ming Power
Hypothesized that he made it to America
Largest naval operation until WWI

6. Expeditions
Sailed with 317 ships with 28,000 soldiers on the largest ships ever built
Travelled the entirety of the Monsoon marketplace
Gave away Chinese goods, bringing back exotic animals and gifts
Paid respect to local deities and customs
Stopped so funds could be invested in agriculture
Zheng He's Ship in comparison to Columbus' Ship

7. Ming Fall Rebuilt Beijing Emperors began living lavishly:
Included the Forbidden City which is a magnificent complex of palaces
Protected by 30 ft walls
Emperors began living lavishly:
Increasing taxes
Already bad due to abandoning of trade
Ignored Government
Busy drinking or doing drugs
Allowed for new nomads to conquer China