6th Grade UBD - Unit 7 – The Ming Dynasty

Essential Question How did trade shape Chinese society during the Ming Dynasty?

Preview Chinese Ideas Spread- After the Ming Dynasty took control of China back from the Mongols, Chinese ideas and goods spread across the world. As Trade Expands, the Empire Grows- The expansion of trade led to the growth of the Ming Dynasty’s empire and its people. Overseas Trade Ends- China produced several goods other nations were eager to import. But in 1433, the Ming emperor cut off trade and outlawed overseas expeditions.

Birth of a Dynasty In 1363, China was a fragmenting group of kingdoms making up the eastern realm of the Mongol Empire. The Mongols had overrun China and seized power from the Song Dynasty.

Birth of a Dynasty The Mongols admired Chinese culture and were dedicated to preserving it. But the Chinese people could never accept the rule of people they considered to be barbarians.

Birth of a Dynasty Despite the wealth and peace China experienced the Mongols were overthrown in 1368. Zhu Yuanzhang led the rebellion, and called his new dynasty Ming, which means “brilliant.”

Culture and Trade The Ming period, which lasted from 1368 to 1644, was indeed a high point of Chinese civilization. Literature and painting thrived silk weaving and porcelain pottery.

Culture and Trade New crops and farming tools helped build the population and were part of the expanding trade that fueled China’s economy. Naval innovation and trade especially marked the Ming period.

Masters of the Oceans Well-built ships were critical to a successful sea trade Elaborate systems were put in place to keep the ships in good working order.

Masters of the Oceans Supporting industries around the shipyards created sails, ropes, and nails ,helped provide jobs to the Chinese people. The most popular type of boat in the Chinese fleet was called a junk.

Masters of the Oceans Through advances in naval technology and navigating skill Chinese ships explored India and Africa and established trade relationships with West Asian kingdoms and with Europe.

Masters of the Oceans The growth in trade increased China’s wealth and power and created a large demand for Chinese luxury goods. It also encouraged an exchange of ideas that opened the west’s eyes to China’s achievements and exposed Chinese culture to new ideas.

The Explorations of Admiral Zheng He Zheng led a fleet of 62 large ships and approximately 30,000 sailors on an expedition to the “Western Oceans” in 1405. 

The Explorations of Admiral Zheng He The three-year voyage took Zheng to western India.  Zheng’s voyages helped to spread Chinese goods and trade and also served to increase China’s influence and control of the waters around Asia.

Key Ideas- As Trade Expands, the Empire Grows Porcelain, jade, silk, and other goods reached the West by the Silk Road. The growth in trade led to a higher standard of living for Chinese merchants. The stability of the Ming Empire allowed art, poetry, and literature to thrive.

Transcontinental Trade China’s luxury goods were in high demand outside of China. Chinese merchants carried these goods to other countries using the Silk Road, a network of interconnected trade routes.

Transcontinental Trade Chinese trade routes linked Asia with Europe and Africa. Ideas, technology, and culture were also exchanged by the traders as they traveled the Silk Road.

Global Demand To wealthy European leaders: Silk, porcelain, and other goods from China were symbols of success and power. Explorers and traders from Europe were eager to expand this trade.

Global Demand Because of the increased trade by land and sea during the first years of the Ming Dynasty, the merchant class grew in wealth, power, and status.

Key Ideas- Overseas Trade Ends Traders were forced to come to China to obtain Chinese goods. Explorers sought new trade routes to the East. The Chinese junk was such a successful design that it is still in use today. In 1433, the Chinese government halted the construction of large ships, forcing explorers to find new ways to reach China.

The Empire Turns Inward After Zheng’s death in 1433, the new emperor cut the size of the fleet by two-thirds.

The Empire Turns Inward After Zheng’s death Western traders had to come to China to get its goods, which made Chinese trade more expensive. As the supply of Chinese goods like porcelain and silk fell, the prices for those goods rose.

The Empire Turns Inward Finding the fastest way to China became the driving goal of European exploration. Christopher Columbus found Americas looking for Ming China.