Transcript Document

Robert W. Strayer
Ways of the World: A Brief Global
History with Sources
Second Edition
Chapter 12
The Worlds of the Fifteenth Century
Copyright© 2013 by Be dford/St. M artin
Õ
s
II. Civilizations of the Fifteenth Century:
Comparing China and Europe
A. Ming Dynasty China
1. Emperor Yongle (r. 1402Ğ1422)
2. Confucianism and anti-Mongol policies
3. Economic boom
4. Zheng HeÕ
s voyages (1405Ğ1433)
B. European Comparisons: State Building and Cultural
Renewal
1. Smaller states in constant conflict
2. Renaissance humanism
A. Ming Dynasty China
1. Emperor Yongle

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
public works projects
New capital with temples and
courts
Overseas missions
Writing of Encyclopedia
2. Confucainism/anti-Mongol
policies

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Re-sinicizing
Promote Confucianism
Reinstate exam system
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Yongle also ordered to build a massive network of structures in new capital Beijing in which government offices, officials,
and the imperial family itself resided. After a painfully long construction time, the Forbidden City was finally completed
and became the political capital of China for the next 500 years.
Ming Dynasty China
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3. Economic boom
 Repaired
infrastructure/fields
4. Zheng He’s voyages
 1405--1433
 100s ships/27,000 men
 Demonstration of Chinese
power
 ??recalled/scuttled 1430s
(world can come to us)
European Comparison
1.
Smaller states in constant
conflict
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(contrast to China)
 Ex. 100 year’s war
2. Renaissance
 Revival of Greco/Roman
art & philosophy
 Individual achievements
 Humanism
Comparing Maritime Voyages
1.
Portugal takes lead
after 1415
 Series of voyages with
support of Pope
a)
Vasco da Gama (India
1497)
2. Smaller ships/fleets than
Chinese
 Handful of ships/crews
around 100
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Motives/goals/support
China: wealthy/no need to expand/centralized
Europe: desperate to enter world economy
competing states (with each other and Islamic Empire)
merchants= economic opportunities
Kings= new tax revenue/more power-land
Church= spread faith