Ming Dynasty Case

1. Evaluate the relative power and capabilities of Chinese naval power and technology during the early Ming dynasty based on the sources in this chapter. Are you convinced by the arguments that is was a lack of will, rather than ability, that turned China away from active government support of overseas exploration, commerce, and settlement during this period? Why or why not?
Yes, I am convinced the Chinese chose not to further their overseas explorations during this time period. The Ming dynasty possessed an impressive navy consisting over 3,500 ships as well as thousands of sailors, marines and merchants. Their fleet was more than twenty times the size of the Spanish Armada. Their ship making abilities were superior, incorporating sturdy bamboo,
Great Britain and China’s Yangzi Delta share commonalities in their environmental issues such as a dwindling timber supply and soil depletion. In response to their nations ecological disadvantages and dominant needs, China focused on its citizens through internal technologies whereas Europe began to explore other lands. Europe was able to discover America and began to extract its resources. Additionally, England’s discovery of coal help to fuel the industrialization and a capital intensive focus. In contrast, East Asia chose a labor intensive focus that concentrated on their own people and resources. Europe’s discoveries nullified the need to “manage [their] land intensively.” The “East Asian miracle” refers to the growth in Asia and the ability for Asia to support and develop skills. Whereas, Europe’s miracle is more economic driven and focused on
As stated by a Manchu emperor, “there is nothing we lack.” East Asia was able to produce enough to sustain their people. However, the dynasty’s pride in their own success eventually led to their downfall. Europe utilized their centuries old knowledge of conquest continued to embark on expeditions, this time overseas, to extract resources from foreign lands. Europe, unlike China searched for what they could use from other lands, rather than what they could utilize on their own soil. Although, China grew and developed, its inability to continue maritime expeditions left the Ming Dynasty unsustainable. Both Europe and China focused on what could they achieve right now, but ultimately the European’s decision to invest in discovering and extracting outside resources solidified their future whereas China was left weakened and frozen in