Asian Maritime Connections

Forbidden Dynasty (Ming)

Strict regulations against foreign trade and cultural exchanges, resulting in a self-contained economy and societal structure

Zheng He

Chinese explorer known for his maritime expeditions; expanded China’s influence with his explorations to expand tributary empire of China

Emperor Yongle

Responsible for sending out Zheng He on his expeditions; made tributary connections and showed off China’s power

Ethnocentric

Belief in the superiority of one's own culture —> made China very introverted and focus on securing their own borders and culture

Eunuchs

Men with their testicles cut off who were loyal to only the emperor —> served as spies, advisors, and military leaders

Haijin

sea ban meant to protect China’s culture; strong policies restricting maritime trading and coastal settlement —> China fell behind in technology

Sakoku

sea ban restricting private maritime trading and coastal settlement lasting more than 200 years until the Meiji Restoration —> Japan fell behind in technology

Closed door policy

no one comes of goes under penalty of death; meant to protect the culture and remove foreign ideas and religion

Nagasaki

only place for foreign trade in Japan and the center for trade with the Spanish and the Portuguese

Deshima

artificial island created to trade with foreign powers

Feudalism

society structured around relationships derived from the holding of land; prevalent in Tokugawa Shogunate, characterized by rigid hierarchy

Emperor

figurehead with symbolic authority but no real governance; head of ceremonies and religion and was hereditary

Shogun

actual governing power; hereditary

Daimyos

local leaders and warriors of clans

Samurai

lost traditional warrior roles, new administrative roles within the government

Peasants

working class

Artisans

skilled laborers who created non-essential goods

Merchants

disliked because of Confucianism and closed door policies