Civilizations of the 15 th Century Comparing China and Europe

Civilizations of the Civilizations of the 1515thth Century Century

Comparing China and Comparing China and EuropeEurope

The Little Ice AgeThe Little Ice Age

►About 1300 CE, global climatic change About 1300 CE, global climatic change caused temperatures to decline caused temperatures to decline significantly throughout the world.significantly throughout the world.

►For more than 500 hundred years, the For more than 500 hundred years, the earth experienced a “little ice age,” earth experienced a “little ice age,” causing shorter growing seasons and causing shorter growing seasons and decreased agricultural production decreased agricultural production which in many places led to famine which in many places led to famine and even starvation.and even starvation.

The Little Ice AgeThe Little Ice Age► In some northern lands, agriculture In some northern lands, agriculture

ceased to be a possibility altogether. ceased to be a possibility altogether.

►The Hunters in the Snow The Hunters in the Snow byby Pieter Pieter Brueghel Brueghel

(1565) (1565)

The Black PlagueThe Black Plague►As people around the world tried to As people around the world tried to

cope with the cooling climate, in the cope with the cooling climate, in the eastern hemisphere there arose another eastern hemisphere there arose another new challenge to human survival: new challenge to human survival: devastating epidemic disease.devastating epidemic disease.

►Bubonic plague bacteria infects rodents Bubonic plague bacteria infects rodents like rats, prairie dogs, and squirrels, and like rats, prairie dogs, and squirrels, and fleas transmit the pathogen from one fleas transmit the pathogen from one rodent to another.rodent to another.

The Black PlagueThe Black Plague

► If rodent populations decline, fleas If rodent populations decline, fleas seek other hosts including humans.seek other hosts including humans.

► In the early 14In the early 14thth Century, Mongol Century, Mongol military campaigns helped spread the military campaigns helped spread the plague from the Yunnan region of plague from the Yunnan region of southwestern China to China’s interior: southwestern China to China’s interior: an epidemic in 1331 reportedly killed an epidemic in 1331 reportedly killed 90% of the population in Hebei 90% of the population in Hebei province, near modern Beijing.province, near modern Beijing.

The Black PlagueThe Black Plague►Plague victims Plague victims

developed inflamed developed inflamed lymph nodes, usually lymph nodes, usually in the neck, armpits, in the neck, armpits, and groin, and died and groin, and died within a few days.within a few days.

► Internal Internal hemorrhaging often hemorrhaging often caused the caused the inflammations (called inflammations (called buboes) to turn black.buboes) to turn black.

The Black PlagueThe Black Plague►During the 1340s Mongols, merchants, and During the 1340s Mongols, merchants, and

travelers spread the disease along the trade travelers spread the disease along the trade routes to points west of China.routes to points west of China.

►During the 1350s epidemics broke out in During the 1350s epidemics broke out in widely scattered regions of China, and widely scattered regions of China, and contemporaries claim 2/3 of the population in contemporaries claim 2/3 of the population in afflicted areas perished.afflicted areas perished.

►The disease thrived in the oases and trading The disease thrived in the oases and trading cities of central Asia, where domestic animals cities of central Asia, where domestic animals and rodents provided abundant breeding and rodents provided abundant breeding grounds for fleas.grounds for fleas.

The Black PlagueThe Black Plague►By 1346 it had reached the Black Sea By 1346 it had reached the Black Sea

ports of Caffa and Tana, and by 1347 ports of Caffa and Tana, and by 1347 Italian merchants had accidently Italian merchants had accidently carried it back to Italy from the Black carried it back to Italy from the Black Sea. By 1348, epidemics were Sea. By 1348, epidemics were happening all along the European trade happening all along the European trade routes.routes.


►Europe would end up losing between Europe would end up losing between 25-33% of its population to the plague, 25-33% of its population to the plague, mostly in the urban trading cities.mostly in the urban trading cities.

►For unknown reasons, India and sub-For unknown reasons, India and sub-Saharan Africa were largely spared the Saharan Africa were largely spared the devastating effects of the plague devastating effects of the plague (India will grow from about 90 million (India will grow from about 90 million people in 1300 to about 105 million in people in 1300 to about 105 million in 1500).1500).


►Because of the human toll the plague Because of the human toll the plague created, social unrest also followed its created, social unrest also followed its path.path.

► In western Europe, urban workers In western Europe, urban workers demanded higher wages, and many left demanded higher wages, and many left their homes looking for better conditions.their homes looking for better conditions.

►Political authorities responded by Political authorities responded by freezing wages and forbidding workers to freezing wages and forbidding workers to leave their homes.leave their homes.

The Black PlagueThe Black Plague►Thousands of rural peasants tried to move Thousands of rural peasants tried to move

to regions where landlords offered better to regions where landlords offered better terms; landlords responded by restricting terms; landlords responded by restricting the peasant’s freedom to move and the peasant’s freedom to move and imposing labor requirements (serfdom).imposing labor requirements (serfdom).

►Disgruntled workers and peasants mounted Disgruntled workers and peasants mounted a series of rebellions that shook western a series of rebellions that shook western Europe, but all were put down.Europe, but all were put down.

►The plague would eventually subside in the The plague would eventually subside in the 1717thth Century. Century.

Ming Dynasty ChinaMing Dynasty China

►By the mid-14By the mid-14thth Century, the Mongol Yuan Century, the Mongol Yuan dynasty was in disarray.dynasty was in disarray.

►Financial mismanagement and political Financial mismanagement and political conflict led to assassinations and conflict led to assassinations and factional fighting among the Mongols.factional fighting among the Mongols.

► In 1368, with the plague raging, the Yuan In 1368, with the plague raging, the Yuan dynasty collapsed, and the Mongols left dynasty collapsed, and the Mongols left China en masse and returned to the China en masse and returned to the steppes, leaving China in political turmoil.steppes, leaving China in political turmoil.


► If you were able to be a traveler in If you were able to be a traveler in time and go back to the 15time and go back to the 15thth century, century, Ming China would be the place to start.Ming China would be the place to start.

►Ming China was heir to a long tradition Ming China was heir to a long tradition of effective governance, sophisticated of effective governance, sophisticated artistic achievements, and a highly artistic achievements, and a highly productive economy.productive economy.


►Even though China Even though China had been greatly had been greatly disrupted by nearly disrupted by nearly a century of a century of Mongol rule and its Mongol rule and its population greatly population greatly reduced by the reduced by the plague, during the plague, during the Ming dynasty Ming dynasty (1368-1644) China (1368-1644) China recovered.recovered.


►The first Ming emperor was The first Ming emperor was HongwuHongwu, a man who came , a man who came from a family so poor, he from a family so poor, he spent much of his youth as spent much of his youth as a beggar.a beggar.

►Orphaned as a youth, Orphaned as a youth, Hongwu entered a Buddhist Hongwu entered a Buddhist monastery to assure monastery to assure himself of food, clothing, himself of food, clothing, and shelter.and shelter.


►Because of his size and strength, he Because of his size and strength, he came to the attention of military came to the attention of military commanders, and he rose through the commanders, and he rose through the ranks to lead the rebellious forces that ranks to lead the rebellious forces that toppled the Yuan dynasty.toppled the Yuan dynasty.

► In 1368 he became emperor Hongwu In 1368 he became emperor Hongwu and proclaimed the establishment of and proclaimed the establishment of the “Ming” dynasty (Ming means the “Ming” dynasty (Ming means “brilliant”).“brilliant”).


►During the early decades of his dynasty, During the early decades of his dynasty, Hongwu sought to eliminate all traces of Hongwu sought to eliminate all traces of foreign (Mongol) rule, discouraging the use foreign (Mongol) rule, discouraging the use of Mongol names and dress, while of Mongol names and dress, while promoting Confucian learning based on the promoting Confucian learning based on the models of the Han, T’ang, and Song models of the Han, T’ang, and Song dynasties (even though he cared little for dynasties (even though he cared little for scholarly matters).scholarly matters).

►Culturally, the Ming looked to the past (pre-Culturally, the Ming looked to the past (pre-Mongol).Mongol).


►Politically, Hongwu reestablished the civil Politically, Hongwu reestablished the civil service examination system that the service examination system that the Mongols had neglected and he created a Mongols had neglected and he created a highly centralized government based highly centralized government based around the emperor.around the emperor.

► In 1380 when he suspected his chief In 1380 when he suspected his chief minister of involvement in a treasonous minister of involvement in a treasonous plot, Hongwu had the minister executed plot, Hongwu had the minister executed along with his bureaucratic allies, then along with his bureaucratic allies, then he abolished the minister’s position.he abolished the minister’s position.


►From that point forward, Ming emperors From that point forward, Ming emperors ruled directly, without the aid of their ruled directly, without the aid of their chief ministers, and they closely chief ministers, and they closely supervised imperial affairs.supervised imperial affairs.

►Ming emperors demanded absolute Ming emperors demanded absolute obedience to their policies and obedience to their policies and initiatives.initiatives.


►They relied heavily They relied heavily on the on the mandarinsmandarins, a , a special class of special class of powerful officials powerful officials sent out as sent out as emissaries of the emissaries of the central government central government to ensure local to ensure local officials officials implemented implemented imperial policy. imperial policy.


►A cadre of A cadre of eunuchs eunuchs personally loyal to the personally loyal to the emperor also had great emperor also had great authority, much to the authority, much to the chagrin of the chagrin of the mandarins (as mandarins (as castrated men, there castrated men, there was no fear of them was no fear of them trying to seize power trying to seize power and trying to create a and trying to create a dynasty). dynasty).


►The Ming used eunuchs much more The Ming used eunuchs much more extensively than their predecessors extensively than their predecessors with the expectation that servants with the expectation that servants whose fortunes depended exclusively whose fortunes depended exclusively on the emperor’s favor would work on the emperor’s favor would work especially diligently to advance the especially diligently to advance the emperor’s interests. emperor’s interests.


►Hongwu wanted to eliminate all Hongwu wanted to eliminate all governmental corruption (a major governmental corruption (a major problem under the Mongols).problem under the Mongols).

►He tried to impress all officials with the He tried to impress all officials with the honesty, loyalty, and discipline he honesty, loyalty, and discipline he expected from them through the expected from them through the practice of public beatings for those practice of public beatings for those found guilty of corruption or found guilty of corruption or incompetence.incompetence.


►Officials charged with misdeeds were Officials charged with misdeeds were beaten on their bare tushies (several even beaten on their bare tushies (several even died).died).

►Those who survived never recovered from Those who survived never recovered from the humiliation.the humiliation.

►Reverting back to Confucian veneration, Reverting back to Confucian veneration, students were expected to follow the students were expected to follow the instructions of their teachers without instructions of their teachers without question (even if the teachers were wrong-question (even if the teachers were wrong-but but youyou know teachers are NEVER wrong!-) know teachers are NEVER wrong!-)


►One student at the imperial academy One student at the imperial academy dared to dispute the lessons of one of dared to dispute the lessons of one of his teachers and was beheaded…his his teachers and was beheaded…his severed head was put on a pole and severed head was put on a pole and hung at the academy entrance.hung at the academy entrance.

►There wasn’t a problem with order in There wasn’t a problem with order in the classroom after that.the classroom after that.


►While building a tightly centralized While building a tightly centralized bureaucracy, Ming rulers conscripted bureaucracy, Ming rulers conscripted laborers to rebuild irrigation systems laborers to rebuild irrigation systems that the Mongols had neglected.that the Mongols had neglected.

►Agricultural production soared as a Agricultural production soared as a result.result.

►They also promoted the manufacture They also promoted the manufacture of porcelain, lacquerware, and fine silk of porcelain, lacquerware, and fine silk and cotton textiles.and cotton textiles.


►Ming rulers did not actively promote trade Ming rulers did not actively promote trade with foreign lands, but private Chinese with foreign lands, but private Chinese merchants eagerly sought out commercial merchants eagerly sought out commercial opportunities and developed a thriving opportunities and developed a thriving business marketing Chinese products from business marketing Chinese products from Japan to the Malay Peninsula.Japan to the Malay Peninsula.

►Domestic trade surged within China, which Domestic trade surged within China, which reflected increasing productivity and reflected increasing productivity and prosperity.prosperity.


► In 1402, Hongwu’s successor was In 1402, Hongwu’s successor was crowned, an emperor named Yongle crowned, an emperor named Yongle (Yung la) =(Yung la) =emperor of perpetual emperor of perpetual happiness.happiness.

►He moved the capital of China from He moved the capital of China from Nanjing to Beijing (1402)…an area to Nanjing to Beijing (1402)…an area to the north not far from the Great Wall the north not far from the Great Wall which had been depopulated by the which had been depopulated by the Mongols.Mongols.


►Emperor Yongle (r 1402-Emperor Yongle (r 1402-1422) sponsored an 1422) sponsored an enormous enormous EncyclopediaEncyclopedia of some 4,000+ volumes.of some 4,000+ volumes.

►With contributions from With contributions from over 2,000 scholars, this over 2,000 scholars, this work was to compile all work was to compile all previous writing on previous writing on history, geography, history, geography, ethics, government and ethics, government and more.more.


►Yongle is also known for building the Yongle is also known for building the famous Forbidden City in Beijing.famous Forbidden City in Beijing.

►Starting in 1406, Yongle had over Starting in 1406, Yongle had over 1,000,000 peasants conscripted to 1,000,000 peasants conscripted to build what would become the largest build what would become the largest palace complex in the worldpalace complex in the world..

Ming Dynasty ChinaMing Dynasty China►Thousands of peasants were sent into the Thousands of peasants were sent into the

forests of southwestern China where they forests of southwestern China where they were to cut great timbers for construction.were to cut great timbers for construction.

►These people were at the mercy of These people were at the mercy of disease, starvation, and wild animals…it is disease, starvation, and wild animals…it is believed over ½ of them died.believed over ½ of them died.

► It would take four years to get these It would take four years to get these timbers from the forests to Beijing and timbers from the forests to Beijing and when construction began in 1417, it would when construction began in 1417, it would take 15 years to complete.take 15 years to complete.


►The Ming vigorously tried to repair the The Ming vigorously tried to repair the damage of the Mongol years by damage of the Mongol years by restoring millions of acres to restoring millions of acres to cultivation; rebuilding canals, cultivation; rebuilding canals, reservoirs, and irrigation works; and reservoirs, and irrigation works; and planting, according to some estimates, planting, according to some estimates, over a billion trees to reforest China.over a billion trees to reforest China.

Ming Dynasty ChinaMing Dynasty China►China also undertook the largest and China also undertook the largest and

most impressive maritime expeditions most impressive maritime expeditions the world had ever seen.the world had ever seen.

►Since the 11Since the 11thth century, Chinese sailors century, Chinese sailors and traders had been a major presence and traders had been a major presence in the South China Sea and in Southeast in the South China Sea and in Southeast Asian port cities.Asian port cities.


►An enormous fleet, commissioned by An enormous fleet, commissioned by Emperor Yongle himself, was launched in Emperor Yongle himself, was launched in 1405, followed over the next 28 years by 1405, followed over the next 28 years by six more such expeditions.six more such expeditions.

►On board the more than 300 ships were On board the more than 300 ships were nearly 30,000 sailors and soldiers, 180 nearly 30,000 sailors and soldiers, 180 physicians, hundreds of government physicians, hundreds of government officials, 5 astrologers, 7 high-ranking officials, 5 astrologers, 7 high-ranking “grand eunuchs,” carpenters, tailors, “grand eunuchs,” carpenters, tailors, accountants, merchants, translators, and accountants, merchants, translators, and cooks.cooks.



►Visiting many ports in Visiting many ports in Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, India, Arabia, Indonesia, India, Arabia, and East Africa, these and East Africa, these fleets, captained by fleets, captained by Admiral Zheng He (a Admiral Zheng He (a Muslim eunuch from Muslim eunuch from western China), sought western China), sought to bring distant peoples to bring distant peoples and states into the and states into the Chinese tribute system.Chinese tribute system.


►Dozens of local rulers accompanied the Dozens of local rulers accompanied the fleets back to China, where they presented fleets back to China, where they presented the emperor with gifts (and tribute), the emperor with gifts (and tribute), performed the required rituals of performed the required rituals of submission (kowtow), and in return, submission (kowtow), and in return, received abundant gifts, titles, and trading received abundant gifts, titles, and trading opportunities.opportunities.

►Chinese officials were amused by some of Chinese officials were amused by some of the exotic products found abroad, the exotic products found abroad, especially ostriches, zebras, and giraffes especially ostriches, zebras, and giraffes brought back for the royal zoo.brought back for the royal zoo.


►The giraffe became the unicorn of The giraffe became the unicorn of Chinese legends.Chinese legends.

Ming Dynasty ChinaMing Dynasty China►Officially described as “bringing order Officially described as “bringing order

to the world,” Zheng He’s expeditions to the world,” Zheng He’s expeditions sought to establish Chinese power and sought to establish Chinese power and prestige in the Indian Ocean and to prestige in the Indian Ocean and to exert Chinese control over foreign exert Chinese control over foreign trade in the region.trade in the region.

Ming Dynasty ChinaMing Dynasty China►However the Chinese did However the Chinese did

not try to conquer or not try to conquer or colonize new territories colonize new territories or spread their culture.or spread their culture.

►On one of the voyages, On one of the voyages, Zheng He erected on the Zheng He erected on the island of Ceylon (Sri island of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) a tablet honoring Lanka) a tablet honoring the Buddha, Allah, and the Buddha, Allah, and the Hindu deity Vishnu.the Hindu deity Vishnu.

Ming Dynasty ChinaMing Dynasty China►The Chinese fleet as it probably looked The Chinese fleet as it probably looked

on the oceans:on the oceans:


►Zheng He generally obtained his goals Zheng He generally obtained his goals through diplomacy as his 28,000 armed through diplomacy as his 28,000 armed soldiers usually overawed his hosts.soldiers usually overawed his hosts.

►But a contemporary reported that Zheng He But a contemporary reported that Zheng He walked like a tiger, and did not shrink from walked like a tiger, and did not shrink from violence when he considered it necessary to violence when he considered it necessary to impress a foreign leader of China’s military impress a foreign leader of China’s military might.might.

►He also ruthlessly suppressed pirates who He also ruthlessly suppressed pirates who had long plagued east Asian waters.had long plagued east Asian waters.


►Probably the most surprising feature of Probably the most surprising feature of these voyages was how abruptly and these voyages was how abruptly and deliberately they ended.deliberately they ended.

►After 1433, Chinese officials simply After 1433, Chinese officials simply stopped their expeditions and allowed the stopped their expeditions and allowed the most expensive and magnificent fleet in most expensive and magnificent fleet in history (to that point) to disintegrate in history (to that point) to disintegrate in port.port.

►The greatest navy in the world had been The greatest navy in the world had been ordered into “extinction.” ordered into “extinction.”


►Part of the reason was the death of their Part of the reason was the death of their patron, Emperor Yongle.patron, Emperor Yongle.

►But many high-ranking Confucian scholar But many high-ranking Confucian scholar officials had long seen the expeditions as a officials had long seen the expeditions as a waste of money because China, they waste of money because China, they believed, was the self-sufficient “middle believed, was the self-sufficient “middle kingdom,” requiring little from the outside kingdom,” requiring little from the outside (barbarian) world.(barbarian) world.

►The Confucian scholars believed the money The Confucian scholars believed the money would be better spent on agriculture.would be better spent on agriculture.


► In the eyes of the Confucian scholar In the eyes of the Confucian scholar officials, the real danger to China officials, the real danger to China came from the north, where nomadic came from the north, where nomadic barbarians (including the Mongols) barbarians (including the Mongols) constantly threatened.constantly threatened.

►The Confucian scholars also saw the The Confucian scholars also saw the voyages as a project of the much voyages as a project of the much despised court eunuchs and saw this despised court eunuchs and saw this as a way to lessen their power.as a way to lessen their power.

►Private Chinese merchants continued Private Chinese merchants continued to trade with Japan, the Philippines, to trade with Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, but they Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, but they did so without the support of their did so without the support of their government.government.

►China turned its back on what was China turned its back on what was surely within its reach…total surely within its reach…total domination of the Indian Ocean region.domination of the Indian Ocean region.


European ComparisonEuropean Comparison

►At the other end of the Eurasian At the other end of the Eurasian continent, similar processes of continent, similar processes of population recovery, political population recovery, political consolidation, cultural flowering, and consolidation, cultural flowering, and overseas expansion were underway.overseas expansion were underway.

►Western Europe, having escaped the Western Europe, having escaped the Mongol onslaught but devastated by Mongol onslaught but devastated by the plague, began to rebound during the plague, began to rebound during the second half of the 15the second half of the 15thth century. century.


►Politically, Europe, like China continued Politically, Europe, like China continued its earlier patterns of state building.its earlier patterns of state building.

► In China, this meant a single, centralized In China, this meant a single, centralized government that encompassed almost government that encompassed almost the whole of its civilization.the whole of its civilization.

► In Europe, it was a fragmented system of In Europe, it was a fragmented system of separate, independent, and very separate, independent, and very competitive states.competitive states.

European ComparisonEuropean Comparison►Europe in 1500:Europe in 1500:


►Many of these states—Spain, Portugal, Many of these states—Spain, Portugal, France, England, the city-states of Italy France, England, the city-states of Italy (Venice, Genoa, Milan, and Florence), (Venice, Genoa, Milan, and Florence), various German principalities—learned various German principalities—learned to tax their citizens more efficiently, to to tax their citizens more efficiently, to create more efficient and centralized create more efficient and centralized administrative structures, and to raise administrative structures, and to raise standing armies.standing armies.


►A small Russian state emerged, A small Russian state emerged, centered on the city of Moscow as centered on the city of Moscow as Mongol rule faded away.Mongol rule faded away.

►Much of Europe’s state building was Much of Europe’s state building was based on the needs of war, a frequent based on the needs of war, a frequent occurrence in such a competitive and occurrence in such a competitive and fragmented political environment.fragmented political environment.

►Long term implications?Long term implications?

European ComparisonEuropean Comparison►For example, England and France For example, England and France

fought intermittently for more than a fought intermittently for more than a century in the century in the Hundred Years’ War Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) over rival claims to (1337-1453) over rival claims to territory in France.territory in France.


►Nothing remotely similar disturbed the Nothing remotely similar disturbed the internal life of Ming dynasty China.internal life of Ming dynasty China.

►A renewed cultural blossoming, the A renewed cultural blossoming, the Renaissance Renaissance (French for “rebirth”), (French for “rebirth”), paralleled the revival of Confucianism in paralleled the revival of Confucianism in China.China.

► In Europe, that blossoming celebrated and In Europe, that blossoming celebrated and reclaimed a classical Greco/Roman reclaimed a classical Greco/Roman tradition that had been kept alive in the tradition that had been kept alive in the Arab world.Arab world.

European ComparisonEuropean Comparison►Beginning in the vibrant commercial cities Beginning in the vibrant commercial cities

of Italy between 1350-1500, the of Italy between 1350-1500, the Renaissance reflected the belief of the Renaissance reflected the belief of the wealthy/powerful elite that they were living wealthy/powerful elite that they were living in a new age, far removed from the in a new age, far removed from the confined religious world of feudal Europe.confined religious world of feudal Europe.

►The few educated citizens of these cities The few educated citizens of these cities sought inspiration in the classical sought inspiration in the classical art/literature of ancient Greece/Rome—they art/literature of ancient Greece/Rome—they were “returning to the sources” as they put were “returning to the sources” as they put it. it.

European ComparisonEuropean Comparison►The elite patronized The elite patronized

great Renaissance artists great Renaissance artists like Leonardo da Vinci, like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Michelangelo, and Raphael, whose Raphael, whose paintings were far more paintings were far more naturalistic, particularly naturalistic, particularly when portraying the when portraying the human body, than those human body, than those of their medieval of their medieval counterparts.counterparts.

European ComparisonEuropean Comparison►Even though religious themes remained Even though religious themes remained

prominent, Renaissance artists began to prominent, Renaissance artists began to focus more on the secular, on focus more on the secular, on contemporary figures or scenes from contemporary figures or scenes from ancient mythology.ancient mythology.


► In the work of scholars, known as In the work of scholars, known as ““humanistshumanists,” reflection on secular topics ,” reflection on secular topics such as history, grammar, politics, such as history, grammar, politics, poetry, rhetoric, and ethics was more poetry, rhetoric, and ethics was more important than religious topics.important than religious topics.

European ComparisonEuropean Comparison►Machiavelli’s (1469-1527) Machiavelli’s (1469-1527)

famous work famous work The PrinceThe Prince, , was a prescription for was a prescription for political success based on political success based on the way politics actually the way politics actually operated in a highly operated in a highly competitive Italy of rival competitive Italy of rival city-states rather than on city-states rather than on idealistic or religiously idealistic or religiously based principles.based principles.

► Is it better to be loved or Is it better to be loved or feared?feared?


►Heavily influenced by classical models, Heavily influenced by classical models, Renaissance figures were more interested Renaissance figures were more interested in capturing the unique qualities of in capturing the unique qualities of particular individuals and in describing the particular individuals and in describing the world as it was than in portraying or world as it was than in portraying or exploring eternal religious truths. exploring eternal religious truths.

► In its focus on the affairs of this world, In its focus on the affairs of this world, Renaissance culture reflected the urban Renaissance culture reflected the urban bustle and commercial preoccupations of bustle and commercial preoccupations of the Italian cities. the Italian cities.


►The secular elements of the Renaissance The secular elements of the Renaissance challenged the otherworldliness of challenged the otherworldliness of Christian culture, and its individualism Christian culture, and its individualism signaled the dawning of a more capitalist signaled the dawning of a more capitalist economy of private entrepreneurs.economy of private entrepreneurs.

►A new Europe was in the making, more A new Europe was in the making, more different from its own recent past than different from its own recent past than Ming dynasty China was from its pre-Ming dynasty China was from its pre-Mongol glory.Mongol glory.


►During the Renaissance, to become During the Renaissance, to become wealthy and stay wealthy required a wealthy and stay wealthy required a high standard of education…one could high standard of education…one could not be successful in commerce or not be successful in commerce or industry without knowing how to read industry without knowing how to read and write and being skillful with and write and being skillful with numbers.numbers.

► Increased business meant more Increased business meant more partnership agreements, complicated partnership agreements, complicated wills, etc…i.e. more wills, etc…i.e. more lawlaw..

European ComparisonEuropean Comparison►The influence of the past was strengthened The influence of the past was strengthened

by the fact that the Renaissance had no by the fact that the Renaissance had no conception of conception of progressprogress…until the …until the Renaissance men did not believe that Renaissance men did not believe that society could steadily improve itself by society could steadily improve itself by inventing new ways to exploit resources inventing new ways to exploit resources and organize economies and governments.and organize economies and governments.

► It seemed to Renaissance thinkers that the It seemed to Renaissance thinkers that the ancients had done nearly everything about ancients had done nearly everything about as well as it could be done.as well as it could be done.


►Early humanists believed that the Early humanists believed that the intellectual life should be one of intellectual life should be one of solitude and study.solitude and study.

►Later humanists, especially in Florence, Later humanists, especially in Florence, believed that believed that it was the duty of an it was the duty of an intellectual to live an active life for intellectual to live an active life for one’s community and country.one’s community and country.

►They also believed that their study of They also believed that their study of the humanities should be put to the the humanities should be put to the service of their community or country.service of their community or country.


►So there were three basic So there were three basic characteristics to the Italian characteristics to the Italian Renaissance:Renaissance:

►FirstFirst: Renaissance Italy was largely an : Renaissance Italy was largely an urbanurban society made up of powerful city- society made up of powerful city-states.states.

►These city-states became centers of These city-states became centers of Italian political, economic and social Italian political, economic and social life.life.

European ComparisonEuropean Comparison►SecondSecond: The Renaissance signaled an : The Renaissance signaled an

age of recovery from the disasters at age of recovery from the disasters at the end of the post-classical period…the end of the post-classical period…namely the destruction caused by the namely the destruction caused by the Black Plague, the political disorder that Black Plague, the political disorder that was caused by it, and the collapse of was caused by it, and the collapse of the world economy. the world economy.


►ThirdThird: The leaders of the Renaissance : The leaders of the Renaissance began to look at humans in a new way.began to look at humans in a new way.

►For the first time in over 1000 years, an For the first time in over 1000 years, an emphasis was placed on individual ability.emphasis was placed on individual ability.

► Individuals tried to achieve a new social Individuals tried to achieve a new social ideal: the well-rounded personality or ideal: the well-rounded personality or universal person who was capable of universal person who was capable of achievements in many areas of life (today achievements in many areas of life (today known as a “Renaissance man” or known as a “Renaissance man” or “woman”). “woman”).


►Leonardo da Vinci Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) for (1452-1519) for example, was a example, was a painter, sculptor, painter, sculptor, architect, inventor, architect, inventor, scientist, and scientist, and mathematician.mathematician.

►The ideal of a The ideal of a “Renaissance “Renaissance Man.”Man.”


►Our modern notion of Our modern notion of individualism comes from this individualism comes from this period, as people began to seek period, as people began to seek personal credit for their personal credit for their achievements…this was in achievements…this was in contrast to the medieval notion contrast to the medieval notion that all glory goes to God, not the that all glory goes to God, not the individual.individual.


►Some of the greatest artists in history Some of the greatest artists in history did not toil as anonymous craftsmen, did not toil as anonymous craftsmen, they sought prestige by competing for they sought prestige by competing for the patronage of secular individuals the patronage of secular individuals like merchants and bankers.like merchants and bankers.


►Before the dawn of Before the dawn of the Renaissance the Renaissance (i.e Late Medieval (i.e Late Medieval period 12period 12thth-14-14thth centuries), Europe centuries), Europe was dominated by was dominated by asymmetrical and asymmetrical and ornateornate GothicGothic architecture.architecture.


► In the early 1400’s, architects reverted In the early 1400’s, architects reverted back to the older styles of Romanesque back to the older styles of Romanesque and Greek. and Greek.

►The architects of the Renaissance The architects of the Renaissance period refined Greek and Roman period refined Greek and Roman architecturearchitecture and used new materials and used new materials not usually associated with Greece, like not usually associated with Greece, like brick. brick.

►Arab influences are also evidentArab influences are also evident (like (like the curved arches).the curved arches).



►The Vatican:The Vatican:

European ComparisonEuropean Comparison►The Europeans, like the Chinese, began The Europeans, like the Chinese, began

major outward-bound maritime expeditions major outward-bound maritime expeditions during the early part of the 15during the early part of the 15thth century. century.

► Initiated in 1415 by the Initiated in 1415 by the PortuguesePortuguese and and supported by the state and blessed by the supported by the state and blessed by the Pope, their voyages began sailing down Pope, their voyages began sailing down the west coast of Africa.the west coast of Africa.

►By the end of the century, two expeditions By the end of the century, two expeditions marked major breakthroughs (Columbus in marked major breakthroughs (Columbus in 1492, and Vasco da Gama in 1497).1492, and Vasco da Gama in 1497).

European ComparisonEuropean Comparison►The differences between the Chinese The differences between the Chinese

and European oceangoing ventures and European oceangoing ventures were striking, especially in terms of were striking, especially in terms of size.size.

►Columbus captained three ships with a Columbus captained three ships with a crew of 90, while da Gama had four crew of 90, while da Gama had four ships manned by about 170 sailors.ships manned by about 170 sailors.


►These were tiny fleets compared to These were tiny fleets compared to the great expeditions of Zheng He.the great expeditions of Zheng He.

►““All the ships of Columbus and da All the ships of Columbus and da Gama combined could have been Gama combined could have been stored on a single deck of a single stored on a single deck of a single vessel in the fleet that set sail under vessel in the fleet that set sail under Zheng He.”Zheng He.”


►Motivation was also vastly different Motivation was also vastly different between the two civilizations.between the two civilizations.

►Europeans were seeking the wealth of Europeans were seeking the wealth of Africa and Asia—gold, spices, silk, and Africa and Asia—gold, spices, silk, and more. more.

►They also were looking for Christian They also were looking for Christian converts and of possible Christian allies converts and of possible Christian allies against threatening Muslim powers.against threatening Muslim powers.


►China, by contrast, faced no China, by contrast, faced no equivalent power, needed no military equivalent power, needed no military allies in the Indian Ocean, and allies in the Indian Ocean, and required little that these regions required little that these regions produced.produced.

►China also didn’t have the impulse to China also didn’t have the impulse to convert foreigners to Chinese culture convert foreigners to Chinese culture or religion like the Europeans.or religion like the Europeans.


►The confident and overwhelmingly The confident and overwhelmingly powerful Chinese fleet didn’t seek powerful Chinese fleet didn’t seek conquests or colonies, while the conquests or colonies, while the Europeans soon tried to monopolize by Europeans soon tried to monopolize by force the commerce of the Indian Ocean force the commerce of the Indian Ocean and violently carved out huge empires in and violently carved out huge empires in the Americas.the Americas.

►This was why the voyages of Zheng He This was why the voyages of Zheng He were neglected for so long in China’s were neglected for so long in China’s historical memory—they led historical memory—they led nowherenowhere..


►Even though the European expeditions Even though the European expeditions were smaller and less promising, they were were smaller and less promising, they were initial steps on their journey to world initial steps on their journey to world hegemony.hegemony.

►But why did the Europeans continue a But why did the Europeans continue a process that the Chinese had deliberately process that the Chinese had deliberately abandoned?abandoned?

►First, Europe had no unified political First, Europe had no unified political authority with the power to end its authority with the power to end its maritime outreach.maritime outreach.


► Its system of competing states, so unlike Its system of competing states, so unlike China’s single unified empire, ensured that China’s single unified empire, ensured that once begun, rivalry alone would drive the once begun, rivalry alone would drive the Europeans to the ends of the earth.Europeans to the ends of the earth.

►Beyond this, much of Europe’s elite had an Beyond this, much of Europe’s elite had an interest in overseas expansion. interest in overseas expansion.

►The wealth/greed generated from increased The wealth/greed generated from increased merchant activity had implications for merchant activity had implications for monarchs and the Church too…monarchs and the Church too…


►Monarchs saw new revenue streams Monarchs saw new revenue streams (from taxing trade or outright seizing (from taxing trade or outright seizing resources) that could fund larger, resources) that could fund larger, better equipped militaries, fund better equipped militaries, fund building projects, etc.building projects, etc.

►Lesser nobles (even commoners) might Lesser nobles (even commoners) might imagine fame and fortune abroad.imagine fame and fortune abroad.

►The Church saw the possibility of The Church saw the possibility of widespread conversion. widespread conversion.

Ming vs EuropeMing vs Europe

► In China, by contrast, support for In China, by contrast, support for Zheng He’s voyages was very shallow Zheng He’s voyages was very shallow in official circles, and when the in official circles, and when the emperor Yongle passed from the emperor Yongle passed from the scene, those opposed to the voyages scene, those opposed to the voyages prevailed within the politics of the prevailed within the politics of the court.court.


►Ming emperors after Yongle believed Ming emperors after Yongle believed that China had been weakened by its that China had been weakened by its contact with other people, so they contact with other people, so they were much more cautious in their were much more cautious in their trade with outsiders, and much more trade with outsiders, and much more likely to believe that it was best for likely to believe that it was best for China to remold itself in the greatness China to remold itself in the greatness of the past.of the past.


►The Chinese were very much aware of The Chinese were very much aware of their own antiquity, they believed their own antiquity, they believed strongly in the absolute superiority of strongly in the absolute superiority of their culture, and they felt with good their culture, and they felt with good reason that, should they need reason that, should they need something from abroad, others would something from abroad, others would bring it to them.bring it to them.


►China made the world’s most desirable China made the world’s most desirable products, especially after Ming products, especially after Ming craftsmen began creating distinctive craftsmen began creating distinctive and beautiful blue and white porcelain.and beautiful blue and white porcelain.

► In 2007, this Ming jar sold for $3.9 In 2007, this Ming jar sold for $3.9 million at auction.million at auction.


►The Ming understood that much of the The Ming understood that much of the empire’s wealth depended on trade, but empire’s wealth depended on trade, but its leaders (especially after Yongle) were its leaders (especially after Yongle) were always wary of outsiders, afraid to lose always wary of outsiders, afraid to lose China again to rule by non-Chinese.China again to rule by non-Chinese.

►So they set out to rebuild the empire as So they set out to rebuild the empire as independently as possible, repairing independently as possible, repairing irrigation systems, factories, internal trade irrigation systems, factories, internal trade connections, and even the Great Wall.connections, and even the Great Wall.


►The Great Wall as it looks today was a The Great Wall as it looks today was a product of the Ming.product of the Ming.


►Ming emperors actively promoted Ming emperors actively promoted Chinese cultural traditions, especially Chinese cultural traditions, especially Confucian and Neo-Confucian schools.Confucian and Neo-Confucian schools.

►For many years, the Ming lived up to For many years, the Ming lived up to their name (“brilliant”), and built a their name (“brilliant”), and built a strong China that clearly reflected its strong China that clearly reflected its age old conflict between opening its age old conflict between opening its doors to others and closing them doors to others and closing them tightly to keep intruders out.tightly to keep intruders out.

Ming vs EuropeMing vs Europe►Europeans, like the Ming, also believed Europeans, like the Ming, also believed

themselves to be unique, particularly in themselves to be unique, particularly in religious terms as the possessors of religious terms as the possessors of Christianity, what they considered the Christianity, what they considered the “one true religion.”“one true religion.”


► In material terms, they sought out the In material terms, they sought out the greater riches of the East, and they were greater riches of the East, and they were highly conscious that Muslim power (the highly conscious that Muslim power (the Ottomans) blocked easy access to these Ottomans) blocked easy access to these treasures and posed a military and treasures and posed a military and religious threat to Europe itself.religious threat to Europe itself.

►All this propelled continuing European All this propelled continuing European expansion in the centuries that followed.expansion in the centuries that followed.


►The Chinese withdrawal from the The Chinese withdrawal from the Indian Ocean facilitated the European Indian Ocean facilitated the European entry.entry.

► It cleared the way for the Portuguese It cleared the way for the Portuguese to enter the region, where they faced to enter the region, where they faced only the eventual, moderate naval only the eventual, moderate naval power of the Ottomans.power of the Ottomans.


►Had Vasco da Had Vasco da Gama encountered Gama encountered Zheng He’s Zheng He’s massive fleet as massive fleet as his four small ships his four small ships sailed into Asian sailed into Asian waters in 1498, waters in 1498, world history world history would likely be would likely be very different. very different.


►So as it turned out, China’s So as it turned out, China’s abandonment of oceanic voyaging abandonment of oceanic voyaging and Europe’s embrace of the seas and Europe’s embrace of the seas marked different responses to a marked different responses to a common problem that both common problem that both civilizations shared—growing civilizations shared—growing populations and land shortage.populations and land shortage.


► In the centuries that followed, In the centuries that followed, China’s rice-based agriculture was China’s rice-based agriculture was able to expand production by more able to expand production by more intensive use of the land, while the intensive use of the land, while the country’s territorial expansion was country’s territorial expansion was inland toward Central Asia.inland toward Central Asia.


►By contrast, Europe’s agriculture, By contrast, Europe’s agriculture, based on wheat and livestock, based on wheat and livestock, expanded primarily by acquiring new expanded primarily by acquiring new lands in overseas possessions, which lands in overseas possessions, which were gained as a consequence of their were gained as a consequence of their commitment to oceanic expansion.commitment to oceanic expansion.

Documents

Civilizations of the 15 th Century Comparing China and Europe