Russell’s Rule to Chinese History

Remember throughout most of early Chinese history, China remained in isolation from the West. They believed they were a superior culture.

What's the term for believing you are superior?

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Ming Dynasty 1368-1644- After Mongol rule of China in 1368

Brought peace and Prosperity to China

Did not want foreign invaders to disrupt

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Coming to Power

Coming to power: Overthrow Mongols Hongwu- First Ming emperor (peasant)

– Led Rebel army• Reform agriculture lands lost by war

– Increase rice production, farming, and fishing– Promote growth of sugar and cotton

- National schools system on Confusions values • Erase traces of Mongol rule• Return to Confucianism and Civil service exam

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Zheng He & Voyages Zheng He – Chinese

Muslim Admiral– voyages to show world

Chinese superiority and power- exploring

– Livin’ Large• Treasure ship• 40-300 ships• Floating cities

– Some crews were over 27,000 people

His fleet

His voyages

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Did they Trade now? A Little

Trade: Missionaries traded:– Mateo Ricci- Italian Jesuit

Silk making and ceramics grew

Industries rose and trading in Europe increased– Despite increase, China did

not fully industrialize

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Trade?

Isolation Official Stance Only trade by Chinese Rules

– Pay tribute– Certain harbors– Trade increased with Asia and Africa

Major Accomplishment Finishing Great Wall

Great Wall

Welcome to the Forbidden City

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Forbidden City: Forbidden City:

Beijing Became capital of

China 1406 Palace Walls 35

feet high/moat– Foreigners not

allowed to enter• Today is a museum

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The End….

Ming ruled for 200 years and was weakening

-corrupt officials - High taxes - Bad harvests Manchu’s from North invade Ming and

defeat them- Qing (Manchu) Dynasty in power till 1911