The Voyages of Zheng He Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What years did the voyages take place?

1405 until 1433

How many voyages did he take?

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?

48-317 (40-300) Signup and view all the answers

How many people were aboard a fleet?

27,000 to 30,000 Signup and view all the answers

Who were those aboard the ships?

Sailors, soldiers, merchants, and scholars Signup and view all the answers

What is a fleet?

A group of ships Signup and view all the answers

What did the Zheng He fleet do that no others did?

Used maps, star charts, and compasses to navigate the open seas. Signup and view all the answers

What trades were made during the voyages?

Silk, porcelain, and copper coins were traded for spices, gems, and other goods. Signup and view all the answers

What happened during the voyages?

Detailed maps were made and information on climate and cultures was gathered. Signup and view all the answers

Where did he go on the voyages?

Southeast Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, India, and the East Coast of Africa Signup and view all the answers

What happened after Zheng He's death?

The voyages ended, ships were destroyed, and records were lost. Signup and view all the answers

What is isolationism?

A policy of declining to enter into alliances, trade agreements, or overseas exploration. Signup and view all the answers

Why did China adopt the policy of isolationism?

To devote efforts to its own advancement and avoid foreign entanglements. Signup and view all the answers

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.

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.