Podcast
Questions and Answers
What years did the voyages take place?
What years did the voyages take place?
1405 until 1433
How many voyages did he take?
How many voyages did he take?
7
What was the result of the voyages?
What was the result of the voyages?
They restored China's diplomatic and trade relations, cleared ocean routes of pirates, and established Chinese communities.
How many ships were in a fleet?
How many ships were in a fleet?
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How many people were aboard a fleet?
How many people were aboard a fleet?
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Who were those aboard the ships?
Who were those aboard the ships?
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What is a fleet?
What is a fleet?
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What did the Zheng He fleet do that no others did?
What did the Zheng He fleet do that no others did?
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What trades were made during the voyages?
What trades were made during the voyages?
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What happened during the voyages?
What happened during the voyages?
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Where did he go on the voyages?
Where did he go on the voyages?
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What happened after Zheng He's death?
What happened after Zheng He's death?
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What is isolationism?
What is isolationism?
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Why did China adopt the policy of isolationism?
Why did China adopt the policy of isolationism?
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Study Notes
Voyages of Zheng He Overview
- The voyages took place from 1405 to 1433, spanning 28 years.
- Zheng He undertook a total of 7 major voyages during these years.
- Resulted in restored diplomatic and trade relations for China, enhanced international presence, and established communities abroad.
Fleet Composition
- Fleet size varied between 48 to 317 ships, with most voyages featuring 40 to 300 vessels.
- Each fleet carried approximately 27,000 to 30,000 individuals, including sailors, soldiers, merchants, and scholars.
Unique Navigational Techniques
- The Zheng He fleet was historically significant for using advanced navigation methods, including maps, star charts, and compasses.
- Unlike previous fleets, they navigated open seas without staying close to coasts.
Trade and Cultural Exchange
- Major trades included silk, porcelain, and copper coins exchanged for spices, gems, fragrant woods, textiles, and minerals.
- Each voyage involved creating detailed maps, documenting diverse climates and cultures, and collecting various plant and animal specimens.
Geographic Reach
- The voyages encompassed regions such as Southeast Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, India, and the East Coast of Africa.
Aftermath of Zheng He’s Death
- After Zheng He’s death, the voyages ceased, and records were destroyed under pressure from scholar officials.
- Subsequent isolationist policies were implemented, reflecting a mindset that viewed the costs of exploration as outweighing potential profits.
Isolationism in China
- Isolationism defined as a policy of minimizing foreign interactions, avoiding alliances, trade agreements, or overseas exploration.
- China adopted this stance to focus on its internal advancements and maintain peace by sidestepping foreign commitments.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Zheng He's maritime journeys in the early 15th century. These flashcards cover key facts such as the duration of the voyages, the number of expeditions, and their historical impact on trade and diplomacy. Perfect for anyone studying Chinese history or maritime exploration.
