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Questions and Answers
How did Hongwu's land reforms contribute to the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty?
How did Hongwu's land reforms contribute to the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty?
- They allowed landlords to consolidate power, leading to greater agricultural efficiency.
- They decreased the amount of land available for farming, concentrating production on higher quality resources.
- They increased the amount of land available for farming by free citizens, boosting agricultural output. (correct)
- They forced citizens into communal farms, increasing overall production for the kingdom.
Which of the following best describes the nature of Hongwu's government?
Which of the following best describes the nature of Hongwu's government?
- Efficient and collaborative
- Inefficient and indifferent
- Democratic and decentralized
- Cruel and autocratic (correct)
What was the primary purpose of moving the capital from Nanjing to Beijing under Yongle's rule?
What was the primary purpose of moving the capital from Nanjing to Beijing under Yongle's rule?
- To diminish the amount of power the government had.
- To isolate the government from its people and the treat of invasion.
- To consolidate power, enhance defense, and establish a cultural and economic hub. (correct)
- To decrease the dynasty's reliance on maritime trade.
What crucial role did naval expeditions commissioned by Yongle play in the Ming Dynasty's success?
What crucial role did naval expeditions commissioned by Yongle play in the Ming Dynasty's success?
How did the Ming Dynasty's powerful army and navy influence its relationships with other East Asian states?
How did the Ming Dynasty's powerful army and navy influence its relationships with other East Asian states?
What advantage did Chinese ships possess that enabled long ocean voyages during the Ming Dynasty?
What advantage did Chinese ships possess that enabled long ocean voyages during the Ming Dynasty?
What were the major exports of China during the 16th century?
What were the major exports of China during the 16th century?
What role did the Dutch East India Company play in trade relations with China during the Ming Dynasty?
What role did the Dutch East India Company play in trade relations with China during the Ming Dynasty?
Besides silver, what other goods did China import from Spanish colonies during the Ming Dynasty?
Besides silver, what other goods did China import from Spanish colonies during the Ming Dynasty?
How did Hongwu seek to control his government officials and prevent dissent?
How did Hongwu seek to control his government officials and prevent dissent?
Flashcards
Hongwu's Tax System
Hongwu's Tax System
An efficient tax system that increased revenue for infrastructure and improvements in the Ming Dynasty.
Hongwu's Legal Reforms
Hongwu's Legal Reforms
Laws that protected free citizens and a new, efficient governmental structure were put in place.
Moving the Capital to Beijing
Moving the Capital to Beijing
Moving the capital consolidated power, defended against northern threats, and established Beijing as a cultural and economic hub.
Naval Expeditions
Naval Expeditions
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Tribute System
Tribute System
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Strong Navy
Strong Navy
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Junk Ships
Junk Ships
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Major Ming Exports
Major Ming Exports
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Dutch East India Company
Dutch East India Company
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Imports from Spanish Colonies
Imports from Spanish Colonies
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Study Notes
- The essay discusses how government, travel, and trade contributed to the Ming Dynasty's success and wealth.
Hongwu's Reforms
- Hongwu implemented an efficient tax system that increased revenue available for infrastructure development.
- Land redistribution policies were enacted to empower the people and prevent land seizures by landlords, increasing agricultural output.
Government Structure Under Hongwu
- Laws were established to protect citizens, alongside a new and efficient governmental structure.
- The government was autocratic, with Hongwu exerting absolute control over his mandarins, limiting their independence.
- Hongwu's paranoia led to the execution of 30,000 officials under suspicion of plotting against him.
Yongle's Contributions
- The Ming Dynasty reached its peak under Yongle.
- The capital was moved from Nanjing to Beijing to consolidate power, improve defense, and establish Beijing as a cultural and economic center.
- Naval expeditions were commissioned, which opened trade routes, fostered diplomatic relations, and facilitated cultural and goods exchange.
- The Yongle Encyclopedia, the world's largest encyclopedia for centuries, was commissioned.
Military Strength and Tribute System
- The Ming Dynasty saw significant growth in its military, with the army expanding to one million soldiers.
- This military strength facilitated a tribute system among East Asian states, compelling them to acknowledge Chinese superiority.
Naval Capabilities
- The powerful navy enabled China to engage in global trade and information exchange.
- Chinese ships were equipped with accurate maps, magnetic compasses, and rudders for navigation.
- Junk ships, advanced sailing vessels, were used for long ocean voyages, incorporating technical advantages in sail and hull designs.
Trade Expansion in the 16th Century
- The Ming Dynasty traded with the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and Japanese during the 16th century.
- China's primary exports were silk and porcelain.
- The Dutch East India Company facilitated the trade of 6 million porcelain items from China to Europe between 1602 and 1682.
- China mainly imported silver but also acquired sweet potatoes, maize, and peanuts from Spanish colonies.
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