Gr10_NOTES-the-world-around-1600_2025

TERM 1

• Grade 10

• Topic 1: The World Around 1600

Page 1

• Title Page

  • Overview of the topic focusing on the world around the year 1600.

Page 2: Globalised World

• World Trade Patterns (1500s and 1600s)

  • Key Geographical Lines: Tropic of Cancer, Equator, Tropic of Capricorn, Arctic Circle, Antarctic Circle.

  • Key Regions: North America, South America, Europe, Asia.

  • Major Trade Items:

    • From Asia: Silks, porcelain, spices.

    • From the New World: Sugar, slaves.

    • From Europe: Cheap manufactured goods.

  • Significant trade routes facilitated by the oceans (Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian).

Page 3: Background

• The 1600s marked a period of great changes globally.

• Trade and expansion were dominant trends across societies.

• Description of major regions:

  • Ming China, Songhai, Mughal Empires as advanced societies in contrast to Europe.

• The world was polycentric; multiple centers of trade, culture, and power.

• Characterization as a dynamic and globalized world (exchange of trade, disease, ideas, and religions).

Page 4: China: A World Power (14th and 15th Centuries)

• The Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) arose after the defeat of the Mongols in 1368.

• The dynasty restored China after periods of Mongolian neglect.

• Autocratic rule with absolute possession of power by the Emperor, assisted by officials and eunuchs.

Page 6: The Ming Dynasty

• Transitional rule between Mongol and Manchu powers.

• Cultural and political influence over East Asia, Turks, Vietnam, and Myanmar.

• Founded by Zhu Yuanzhang (Hongwu), known for stability and autocratic governance.

• The economy flourished commercially.

Page 7: Government

• Single department system under ‘Secretariat’ managing Six Ministries.

• Daily operations overseen directly by the Emperor.

• Reinstitution of the Censorate and functions of Censor-in-Chief with oversight on provincial administrators.

Page 8: Society

• Influenced by Confucian beliefs establishing a four-class model: merchants, farmers, artisans, and gentry.

• Urban life flourished, impacting economic and cultural development.

• Class distinctions: Shi (scholars), Nong (farmers), Gong (artisans), Shang (merchants); capitalism's rise enabled the Shang to thrive economically.

Page 9: Travel and Trade

• Early 15th century experienced significant trade led by Zheng He's expeditions.

• Zheng He's fleet comprised large ships for extensive exploratory and trade voyages.

• Chinese exports: porcelain, silk, medicinal provisions; imports included spices, ivory, and jewels.

• Expansion of knowledge and economic prosperity aligned with Ming expeditions.

Page 10: Treasure Fleet Expeditions of Zheng He (1405-1433)

• Seven significant voyages with enormous fleets (317 ships, over 28,000 personnel).

• Noteworthy destinations include Champa, Java, Malacca, and Calicut.

• Expeditions were diplomatic, military, and focused on establishing trade routes.

Page 12: Ship Building

• Highest level of Chinese shipbuilding during the Ming era, ancestry from Tang and Song dynasties.

• Innovations included advanced sail designs and double hull construction for safety.

• Contributions of shipbuilding technologies greatly influenced global navigation and trade.

Page 13: Purpose of Expeditions

• Zheng He's expeditions aimed at exploring and establishing trade routes, enhancing the glory of the Ming Dynasty.

• The first voyage emphasized Indian coast due to prior trade routes established in the Song Dynasty.

Page 17: Songhai: An African Empire (15th and 16th Centuries)

• Located alongside the Niger River in modern-day Mali, one of West Africa's largest empires.

• Established around the 15th century with administrative center at Gao.

• Diverse economy based on trade, with centralized administration following the Sonni dynasty.

Page 19: The Songhai Empire Under Sonni Ali

• Initiated imperial expansion by conquering Timbuktu.

• Methods included strategic military tactics and bureaucracy development.

• Expansion led to provinces governed by appointed lieutenants, but Sonni Ali faced challenges during his reign.

Page 22: Travel and Trade

• Strong military presence ensured safe trade through the empire.

• Key resource exchanges in gold and salt facilitated robust commerce.

• Trade connections with European powers expanded during this period.

Page 27: Introduction to the Mughal Empire

• Ruled most of India and parts of Pakistan in 16th and 17th centuries, establishing Islamic influence over a majority-Hindu population.

• Centralized government with respect for human rights; prevalent architecture reflects a fusion of cultures.

Page 31: Society

• Division into four classes with a significant Hindu majority, incorporating various sub-castes.

• Muslims categorized into different sects; Sunni Muslims held socioeconomic advantages due to imperial affiliations.

Page 36: Trade

• The Mughal Empire was central to global trade, connecting East and West.

• Major exports included textiles, rice, and metals; imports varied widely from spices to horses.

• Infrastructure developments supported trade expansion across regions.