How Did Zheng He Affect China

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Trade and Integration
Before Black Death swept Asia and Europe, China was the powerhouse of trade. After the initial wave of death and chaos passed new economies and systems were formed and China saw an opportunity to be in the center of trading market once again. In fact, China already believed the world revolved around them (Map of Ming). They truly believed they were the most significant mass of the world. To expand their wealth and power Ming Dynasty’s first ruler, Emperor Yongle, sent out Zheng He to increase trade and win tribute from other countries. Was Zheng He an ambassador of trade or an emissary promoting Chinese imperial interests? How was commerce linked or not linked to empire building? It’s important to understand what the role …show more content…

Zheng He was in charge of a massive fleet of 62 ships carrying 28,000 men—all of which pledged to promote the Ming Dynasty—across the Indian Ocean to make trade with and intimidate foreign countries. The sheer size of the ships spoke volumes to the foreigners Zheng He was visiting and the presence of military power only reiterated the impression that Zheng represented a powerful and wealthy country. Zheng He arrived to countries baring luxurious gifts such as silk and porcelains—again this just fueled to the image that the Ming Dynasty was a force to be reckoned with. Although Zheng He showed military power he never showed interest for territorial conquest. As Orange and Black death pointed out, this is evident from the map showing his voyages; he never went in-land. He was there to trade and making others pledge loyalty to the Ming Dynasty. Zheng He did not approach countries with conquest in mind, however he did not shy away from using force when necessary. If the quickest way to get what he wanted was to use violence He had no issue forcibly taking the commodities he sought or attacking communities that refused to pay tribute to him. Zheng He would also force leaders from other countries to visit China so they could experience the power and wealth of the Ming first hand. Tiger Traders refer to the Ming map to illustrate how the Ming saw themselves as the center of the universe; they believed everyone was subordinate to them and therefore should pledge their

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