Ssept 17 Flashcards
What was the Chinese technical sophistication in navigation compared to other parts of the world?
Impressive, ahead of that anywhere else in the world
What did the Yongle emperor’s resistance to private commercial trade lead to?
Ceded enormous economic and eventually political power to much smaller European powers
How many voyages did Zheng He command?
Seven
What is disputed about the historical record of Zheng He’s treasure ships?
The accuracy of their recorded lengths
According to revisionist historical work, what was the likely length of Zheng He’s treasure ships?
200 to 250 ft
What were the three major achievements of the Ming dynasty?
- Naval technology
- Gunpowder weaponry
- Pottery
What technology did the Chinese develop for stability and maneuverability in water?
A combination of outriggers and rudder steering system
When did Zheng He’s voyages take place?
1405-1413
What was the primary purpose of Zheng He’s voyages?
Diplomatic and to assert the Ming emperor’s prestige
What was the core idea of the Chinese empire related to the emperor’s rule?
Mandate of heaven
What type of economy did the Ming emperors develop?
Emphasis on agriculture rather than foreign trade
What system did the first three Ming rulers embrace for wealth development?
Feudalism
What was the danger of the feudal system during the Ming dynasty?
Notables could gain too much power, leading to civil wars
What was the significance of Zheng He’s voyages in relation to the Ming dynasty?
Emblematic of both the magnificence and self-imposed limits of the Ming dynasty
Fill in the blank: The Ming dynasty was the ______ imperial power.
Penultimate
True or False: The Ming emperors prioritized accumulating wealth through trade.
False
List the regions Zheng He visited during his voyages.
- Vietnam
- Indonesia
- Sri Lanka
- Southern India
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Bangladesh
- Iran
- Oman
- Yemen
- Somalia
- Kenya
- Saudi Arabia
