Ming Dynasty Notes

Standard and LT

7.07   Analyze the achievements of the Ming Dynasty and the reasons for its isolationism, including building projects (e.g., the Forbidden City and reconstruction of the Great Wall) and Zheng He’s sea voyages. 

\n LT:  I can analyze the contributions of the Ming Dynasty.

Concept #1 - Ming Dynasty

==1368 - 1644==

Zu Yuanzhang founded the Ming dynasty

Most stable and profound dynasty

Expanded fame overseas and created many building projects

Concept #2 - Zheng He

Improved ships and sailing skills

==Greatest sailor of his time!==

^^His ships were the size of football fields^^

Sailed throughout the Indian Ocean - the Persian Gulf to Africa’s easternmost coast

Returned to China with 30+ representatives

Concept #3 - Building Projects

==1420==

Designs were meant to impress the Chinese and northern enemies

FORBIDDEN CITY - Palace complex, residences, temples, and other government buildings. 9K+ rooms

1M+ workers - 20 years of work

Concept #4 - Isolationism

==1430==

The new Ming emperor made Zheng return to China and take apart his ships

@@BANNED FOREIGN TRADE - CHINA ENTERED A PERIOD OF ISOLATIONISM@@

This led to many consequences

==1644==

The Ming was overthrown, and the Western world had made more technological progress

Westerners gain influence in Chinese affairs, and China was to weak to stop them