PRIHIS202016-V005800

Summary

This video explores the rise of the Ming Dynasty after the collapse of Mongol rule, highlighting the reconsolidation of China, reforms in governance, military, and the revitalization of trade. It details the expeditions of Zheng He, who commanded massive treasure fleets connecting China with Africa, India, and beyond. The video also contrasts the Mongol approach of conquest with the Chinese system of tribute and trade, culminating in the abrupt end of these grand voyages due to internal court politics favoring isolation. The narrative underscores China's strategic global interactions during the early Ming period.

Takeaways

• 📜 The collapse of Mongol rule in China created a power vacuum, further aggravated by the Black Death.
• 🏯 By 1368, the Ming Dynasty reclaimed Beijing, marking the start of a new era focused on centralization and modernization.
• 👑 The Ming Emperor introduced reforms such as rebuilding the army, modernizing the tax system, and establishing an examination system for state bureaucracy.
• 🕌 The Forbidden City, the political center of Ming power, was designed to symbolize the emperor's authority and China's grandeur.
• 🚢 Zheng He, a Muslim eunuch, commanded China's treasure fleets on seven major voyages between 1405 and 1433, expanding China's influence through trade and diplomacy.
• 🦒 Zheng He’s voyages connected China to Java, the Red Sea, Africa, and other regions, bringing back exotic goods, including giraffes, spices, and wild animals.
• 💼 The Chinese approached international relations through negotiation and tribute rather than conquest, focusing on long-term commercial partnerships.
• ⚔️ The Mongols, in contrast, relied on plunder and domination, while the Chinese preferred diplomacy and tribute to establish subordinate relations.
• 📚 After the death of Emperor Zhu Di in 1424, Confucian scholars gained influence and pushed for isolation, leading to the cessation of long-distance expeditions.
• 🚫 By 1500, Chinese authorities banned large vessels, signaling a shift toward isolation and ending China's outward engagement.

Q & A

What led to the collapse of Mongol rule in China and how did the Ming Dynasty emerge?

The collapse of Mongol rule created a power vacuum in China, exacerbated by the Black Death. By the 1350s, a reconquest of China began, and in 1368, the Ming Dynasty emerged after reclaiming the capital of Beijing.

What were some of the reforms introduced by the first Ming emperor to legitimize his rule?

The first Ming emperor modernized the tax system, rebuilt the army, reestablished an examination system for the state bureaucracy, and reconstructed the Forbidden City to symbolize his power and the grandeur of China.

What was the significance of the Forbidden City in Ming political power?

The Forbidden City exemplified the emperor’s power and the revitalized grandeur of China. It became a symbol of the sacred authority of the Ming dynasty, where centralization and governance were conducted behind a veil of mystery.

How did China’s outward orientation during the Ming period manifest in its interactions with other regions?

During the Ming period, China resumed its outward orientation through trade and exploration, reaching as far as Iraq and East Africa. There was significant trade between China and Africa, often mediated by Arab merchants.

Who was Du, and why is his journey significant in Chinese history?

Du was a Chinese imperial officer captured by Islamic forces around 751. He was taken on an internal voyage through the Islamic world and, 12 years later, returned to China, where he reported his encounters with Africa, sparking Chinese interest in African goods.

What were the different approaches to expansion and foreign relations between the Mongols and the Chinese?

The Mongols were primarily predators, seeking plunder and control, while the Chinese focused on trade and tribute. The Chinese expansion sought acknowledgment of subordination from other polities rather than direct control.

Who was Zheng He, and what role did he play in China's expansion during the Ming Dynasty?

Zheng He was a Muslim boy captured by the Ming army and castrated to serve as a eunuch. He rose to prominence in the Ming court and led seven great voyages between 1405 and 1433, commanding China’s massive treasure fleets that engaged in trade and diplomacy across Afro-Eurasia.

How did Zheng He's voyages compare to European expeditions, such as those of Christopher Columbus?

Zheng He's treasure ships were much larger than European vessels like Columbus's Santa Maria. Some treasure ships reached 400 feet long, had nine masts, and carried extensive cargo, showcasing the disparity in scale between Chinese and European maritime expeditions.

Why were Zheng He’s voyages suddenly halted, and what was the outcome for China?

After the death of Emperor Zhu Di in 1424, there was conflict between eunuchs and Confucian scholars. The scholars, favoring isolation, gained control and halted the voyages. By 1500, a government edict prohibited large vessels, effectively ending China’s long-distance maritime ventures.

What was the role of Confucian scholars in shaping China's foreign policy after the death of Zhu Di?

Confucian scholars opposed the outward-looking policies of the eunuchs and advocated for isolationism. They gained the upper hand after Zhu Di's death, leading to the suspension of Zheng He’s voyages and China’s withdrawal from engagements with the world.

Outlines

00:00

🏛️ The Rise of the Ming Dynasty and its Reforms

This paragraph describes the collapse of Mongol rule in China, leading to the rise of the Ming Dynasty in 1368. The new emperor rebuilt the army, modernized the tax system, and established a new examination system for state bureaucracy. He also reconstructed the Forbidden City, which symbolized the grandeur and authority of the Ming Dynasty. Behind these closed walls, the emperor and his advisors centralized the Chinese state, restored prosperity, and expanded through trade and exploration. The paragraph highlights China's early interactions with distant regions such as Iraq and East Africa and describes a Chinese officer's journey through the Islamic world, igniting Chinese interest in African trade.

05:02

🌍 Chinese Expansion and Tribute System

The focus here is on China's contrasting approach to foreign relations compared to the Mongols. While the Mongols sought plunder, the Chinese focused on gaining tribute and establishing trade. The paragraph also recounts the story of Mah, a captured Muslim boy who became a prominent eunuch in the Ming court, later known as Zheng He. Zheng He commanded China's massive treasure fleets, which embarked on voyages across the Afro-Eurasian world, strengthening China's influence through diplomacy and trade. His voyages marked the peak of China's outward expansion, with trade routes extending to Africa, and the import of goods such as spices and animals.

10:07

🛳️ Zheng He's Diplomatic Expeditions

This paragraph covers Zheng He’s diplomatic strategies during his voyages, emphasizing the Chinese approach of exchanging gifts and negotiating rather than using force. For example, when Zheng He entered Malabar in India, he engaged in complex negotiations with local rulers, aiming for long-term trade relationships. This approach reflected China's preference for diplomacy over dominance in its interactions with other cultures. Despite having the power to impose their will, the Chinese sought cooperation and mutual benefit, highlighting their sophisticated model of exercising power.

📜 The Decline of Chinese Maritime Expeditions

This section discusses the abrupt end of China's maritime expeditions following the death of Emperor Zhu Di in 1424. Internal conflict arose between the eunuchs, who supported exploration, and Confucian scholars, who favored isolation. The scholars eventually gained the upper hand, leading to the cessation of China's long-distance voyages. By 1500, a government edict even banned the construction of large vessels, signaling a shift toward isolationism. The paragraph concludes by contrasting China's political response to the crises of the 14th century with those of other powers.

Keywords

💡Ming Dynasty

The Ming Dynasty, which means 'brilliant,' was a period of Chinese rule that began in 1368 after the collapse of Mongol rule. It marked a time of cultural revival, military strengthening, and centralization of power. The dynasty was known for rebuilding the army, modernizing the tax system, and constructing the Forbidden City as a symbol of imperial authority.

💡Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, located in Beijing, was the political and ceremonial center of Ming power. It symbolized the emperor's control and the grandeur of China, with an aura of mystery surrounding the ruling family. The palace was designed to exemplify the sacred authority of the Ming emperors.

💡Zheng He

Zheng He was a prominent Chinese explorer and commander of the treasure fleets during the Ming Dynasty. Between 1405 and 1433, he led seven grand voyages, expanding China's influence through diplomacy and trade across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. His expeditions symbolized China's outward orientation and its pursuit of tribute and trade relationships.

💡Treasure Fleets

The treasure fleets, led by Zheng He, were enormous Chinese naval expeditions that traveled to distant lands, including India, the Middle East, and Africa. These fleets, consisting of over 300 vessels, were part of the Ming Dynasty's effort to reassert China's global presence through diplomacy and commerce. They carried goods and treasures, showcasing China's wealth and power.

💡Tribute System

The tribute system was a key aspect of Chinese foreign relations during the Ming Dynasty. It involved subordinate states acknowledging China's superiority and offering tribute in exchange for trade privileges and protection. This system was in contrast to the Mongols' predatory expansion, as the Chinese preferred trade and diplomatic recognition over direct control.

💡Eunuchs

Eunuchs, who were castrated men, held significant political power in the Ming court, serving as close advisors to the emperor. Zheng He was a notable eunuch who rose to prominence as a military leader. Tensions between eunuchs and Confucian scholars, who advocated isolationism, eventually led to a shift in China's foreign policy.

💡Confucian Scholars

Confucian scholars were influential officials in the Ming court who emphasized traditional values, including internal governance and isolationism. After the death of Emperor Zhu Di, these scholars gained influence over the eunuchs, leading to a halt in Zheng He's voyages and a withdrawal from international engagement, a decision that had long-term implications for China's global role.

💡Centralization

During the Ming Dynasty, the centralization of power was a major goal. The emperor and his advisors worked to restore Chinese prosperity through increased state control, modernizing systems like the tax structure, and rebuilding military forces. This centralization helped China reestablish its dominance after the fall of Mongol rule.

💡Arab Merchants

Arab merchants played a crucial role in facilitating trade between China and Africa during the Ming Dynasty. Chinese products such as porcelain were exchanged for African goods like ivory and frankincense. The commercial connections established by Arab merchants also contributed to China's awareness of distant regions, including Africa.

💡Isolationism

Isolationism became a key policy for the Ming Dynasty after the death of Emperor Zhu Di and the rise of Confucian scholars. This policy led to the cessation of Zheng He's voyages and a focus on internal matters. The shift marked China's retreat from global exploration and trade, with a ban on large ships reinforcing this inward-looking approach.

Highlights

The collapse of Mongol rule created a power vacuum in China, which was quickly filled by the rise of the Ming Dynasty in 1368.

The Ming Dynasty, meaning 'brilliant,' reclaimed the capital of Beijing and introduced reforms, including the rebuilding of the army and modernization of the tax system.

The Ming emperor implemented an examination system for the state bureaucracy and rebuilt the Forbidden City, a symbol of imperial power.

The Forbidden City was designed to emphasize the mystery and sacred authority of the Ming emperor, centralizing power and preserving Chinese grandeur.

Under the Ming, China resumed outward trade and exploration, building on earlier Chinese expansions into regions as far as Iraq and East Africa.

In 751, a Chinese officer named Du was captured in a battle with Islamic forces and later returned to China, where he wrote a memoir detailing his encounters with Africa.

By the 1300s, trade between China and Africa was active, often mediated by Arab merchants, with Chinese products found along the east coast of Africa.

Unlike the Mongols, who sought plunder, the Chinese were interested in tribute and trade, seeking acknowledgment of their superiority without directly controlling local populations.

Zheng He, a captured and castrated Muslim boy from the Mongol camp, rose to become a key military figure and the commander of China's treasure fleets.

Zheng He led seven major voyages between 1405 and 1433, connecting China with Java, the Red Sea, and Africa, and returning with valuable cargo like spices and wild animals.

The treasure ships of Zheng He were massive, some reaching 400 feet in length, dwarfing European ships like Christopher Columbus's Santa Maria.

Zheng He's voyages strengthened China's ties across the Afro-Eurasian system, with his fleet engaging in trade and diplomatic exchanges as far as East Africa.

In 1415, ambassadors from East Africa presented giraffes and gold to the Chinese emperor, showcasing the importance of these diplomatic gifts.

Zheng He engaged in careful negotiations during his voyages, emphasizing long-term partnerships over domination, notably in places like Malabar, India.

After the death of Emperor Zhu Di in 1424, China's overseas expeditions were halted due to tensions between eunuchs and Confucian scholars, who favored isolationism.

Transcripts

This is a map of the Ming Dynasty. The

collapse of Mongol rule created a power vacuum

in China. The Black Death aggravated it, of course,

but in China, vacuums seldom lasted very long.

By the 1350s, there began a reconquest of China from the barbarians, at the hands

of Mongols. Until finally, the new dynasts would

reclaim the capital of Beijing in 1368,

in the name of the Ming, which means brilliant, dynasty.

And the new emperor would introduce a whole new set, well

not entirely new I should say, but adapt older and refashion to create new

mechanisms to legitimate himself in front of his subjects.

He would rebuild the army, he would modernize and update

the tax system. Created an examination system for the

state bureaucracy, and rebuild the Forbidden City

or the imperial city at the core of political Ming power.

This is an illustration of the center of the

capital of the empire itself, known as The Forbidden City.

This palace was designed to exemplify the power of the

Emperor himself, of the revitalized grandeur of China.

Here, behind the closed walls, the mystery and,

and, sacred authority of the Ming would be preserved

and protected. Indeed a whole aura of mystery would

surround the ruling household. And behind this veil

the Ming dynast and his ministers and advisors

would create a process of increasing centralization

of the Chinese state, would restore Chinese prosperity

and China would resume it's outward orientation to the rest of the world,

through trade, through exploration. And from 700,

the year 700, approximately, Common

Era onwards, China in fact had been probing as far

away as Iraq.

And some Chinese were reaching East Africa.

Part of this of course was strategic that China

was rubbing shoulders increasingly with a spreading Arab power.

And there were clashes between rising Islamic claimants

and Chinese authorities near Samarkand as far back

as the year 751. And not long after the Prophet Mohammed

had begun to broadcast his message to his believers.

At that battle, in fact, an imperial officer called

[FOREIGN]

was captured.

And he was sent on an internal voyage within the Islamic world.

Until 12 years later, he finally got back to China.

And there, would write a fascinating memoir

of his travels in the Islamic world.

Du was in fact the first person to report

back on his encounters with Africa, as far back

as the 8th century.

In fact he managed to get back to chan, to China because

he stole aboard a merchant vessel that was on route to Canton.

From those Muslim ports that I talked about in the earlier segment.

So here we have a reporter far away describing the ivory in Africa,

tortoise shells, frankencense, very important

for, in a sense, sparking Chinese interest in

Africa. And we could see

commercial opportunities and, eventually conquest.

By 1300, there was an active trade between China and Africa,

mediated very often by Arab merchants. Lots of archaeological

evidence, now show the ways in which Chinese products could

be found up and down the east coast of Africa, and that there was a lot of

Chinese demand for African exports. Now,

the Chinese pattern of relating to the rest of the world was very different

from the Mongols.

The Mongols were predators, for the most part.

The Chinese, rather, were after tribute, and trade.

And so we have two typologies here,

of encounters, between strong and relatively weak parties.

The Mongols were after plunder and then grafting onto encumbent systems.

The Chinese, rather,

were looking for tribute from populations only asking the polities that

they met acknowledge their subordination, not

necessarily demanding control of local peoples.

The pattern of Chinese expansion, exemplified in the late 14th century and

the early 15th century really reached its crescendo when it got to Africa.

In 1382, the army of the first Ming emperor captured a ten year old

Muslim peasant boy from the Mongol camp. His name was Mah.

Now Mah suffered the same fate as many captives did when they were

procured by Ming armies. He was castrated and added to the eunuch

staff of the royal household. This was common practice.

He grew up to be, in fact, a very accomplished and fearsome Warrior, again

this was not an uncommon practice, but Ma stood out until he eventually became

influential in the upper echelons of the main court.

As a gesture to his influence and his authority his name was then changed.

Sinus-ized/g, and he would be called Zheng He.

Zheng He would go on to become the commander

of China's massive treasure fleets, as they were known.

And, he would embark upon seven great voyages between 1405 and 1433.

This is a map of Zheng He's voyages.

The Emperor Zhu Di, who sponsored these voyages, saw these fleets as

part of a larger grand design for China's filling the vacuum after the Black Death.

Engaging in wars against the Mongols, a brutal campaign in Vietnam,

which we might describe as the first really organized guerrilla war.

But the fleets of Zheng He were certainly the

most awesome of his initiatives.

Let me give you a sense of the scale of what was involved here.

This is a portrait of one of what, what was a relatively

small supply vessel. 100 feet long, the

treasure ships, in fact, would reach 400 feet long, with nine

masts, massive stern, rudders, these were huge affairs.

This particular vessel is drawn in contrast, to, as you'll

see, this is the image of the Santa Maria. So,

we have, then, one of the treasure ships in the background here,

compared to the Santa Maria, which was one

of Christopher Columbus's vessels. To give you a sense of the disparities in

scale that was involved here. So, we then see that these

voyages exemplified the ways in which China was reaching out around

the Afro-Eurasian system. These vessels with watertight

hull compartments the, the fleets themselves,

averaged roughly 300 vessels per voyage. Would

unite China to Java, to the Red Sea, and then to

Africa, and then return to China with fabulous cargoes.

Food, spices, wild animals including giraffes.

In this image this particular image is taken from something eh,

that's hanging in the walls of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

In fact, there had been giraffes shipped to China before.

They were treated as prized gestures of acknowledgement from one

ruler to another, shipped from East Africa to Bengal.

But in October of 1415, an entourage of ambassadors were escorted

onto one of the precincts of the Forbidden Palace in Beijing and,

would bring, buckets of gold, to, the Emperor of China

what, it was important as a source of, of liquidity.

and including wild animals as such as the giraffe.

Now, one aspect of Zheng He's voyages that was important for us to think about

was the way in which he would enter a harbor, and I, and I say this

because we're going to see this also in later lectures the

ways in which other people manage

encounters with peoples from different cultures.

When he entered Malabar, for instance, on the coast of India he would engage in

an elaborate exchange of gifts as a precursor

to a conversation with the incumbent power holders.

Diplomats would present robes of their emperor, in honor of the host.

And they would ensue complex negotiation over

the prices of goods that would be traded.

Some of the deliberations over trading could take months to unfold.

The Chinese were not dictating, but rather negotiating the terms

of what they saw as a long term partnership in

these new commercial arrangements. Between superior and subordinate peoples.

They easily could have blasted Malibar. They did not, and that is revealing.

So I want you to think about the models of exercising power.

Now, all of a sudden, the fleets were mothballed.

The decision was made to suspend

all these long distance excursions. The emperor Zhu Di died

in 1424. And there ensued tension

and conflict between the eunuchs at the court and the Confucion scholars.

Never trust scholars and academics. In this particular case they were after

isolation, and they would gain the upper hand against the eunuchs and

urge the new authorities to withdraw from engagements with the rest of the world.

The scholars would win out. Not a good thing for China.

Zheng He himself died in 1433 as the last expedition was

making its way up the Yellow River. By 1500, a government edict determined

that any vessel with more than two masts would earn the owner

or the captain of that vessel, it would be deemed a capital offense.

So, I want to end this segment by asking you to contrast

the multiple political responses to the 14th

century crises.