Key Terms – Expansion of Chinese Trade

1. Key Terms – Expansion of Chinese Trade • Tai Tsu • Ming Dynasty • Zheng He

2. The Fall of the Mongols • Chu Yuan-Chang would lead a revolt against the Mongols and deposed them in 1368. • Upon becoming emperor, he would take on the name Tai Tsu. • Tai Tsu would be the founder of the Ming Dynasty → ruling family that dominated China from 1368 -1644

3. Ming Acheivements • During the rule of Tai Tsu (roughly 30 years), he created many reforms that would ease the burdens of the lower classes while making them productive members of society. • Reforms were: • Encouraged agriculture by giving peasants seeds, tools and animals • Forgave taxes if the peasants farmed land ruined by war. • Exempted peasants from public works if they worked ruined land as well.

4. Ming Achievements (cont.) • Scientists would develop rice that could be harvested in 60 days → allowed for double cropping within one season. • They developed irrigation pumps worked by pedals to help bring water to rice paddies. • Fish were brought into rice paddies to produce two foods instead of one. • Cotton was grown and indigo as well. • Millions of trees were planted → used as a source of lumber which would help increase the strength of their navy.

5. Voyages of Zheng He • The Ming were interested in expanding their overseas trade. • Zheng He → Muslim voyager sent on expeditions between 1405 and 1433. • The voyages would be halted as a means of preserving Chinese culture and keeping foreigners out. • His voyages would: • Open new markets in Africa, Asia and Europe • Brought new ideas • Helped increase settlement of other areas.

6. Voyages of Zheng He

7. Results • The Chinese during the 16th Century would now have connections with Japan, Phillippines, Portugal, and the Dutch. • Eventually a city would be set up for these foreigners in 1555 known as Macau. • This would occur under the Qing Dynasty which would depose the Ming completely in the early 17th Century.