Great Wall Of China
Voyages
SPRITE
Important Figures
100
When was the great wall created and which part of china does it border?
It was created in 221 BC originally but the wall standing today was built during the Ming Dynasty in 1368 A.D.; Built across northern border
100
When did the treasure voyages start and stop?
Started: 1405
Ended: 1433
100
What time period did the Ming Dynasty rule and in what geographic location?
1368- 1644 A.D ; China
100
Who were the prominent emperors of the Ming Dynasty?
The founder of the Ming Dynasty was Zhu Yuanzhang(otherwise known as the Hongwu Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, ruled from 1368-1398), who was previously a peasant-borne, and later, a rebel leader. His grandson Zhu Yunwen succeeded the throne, but ruled for a short four years before Zhu Di(The Yongle Emperor, 1403-1424), the fourth son of the first emperor, took the throne for himself. He is known for bringing prosperity to the Ming Dynasty. He moved the capital to Beijing and repaired the Grand Canal, which is Beijing’s most direct waterway, and was largely beneficial for importing goods to that area. He is also known for sponsoring Zheng He’s voyages. There were many more emperors after him but they were not as prominent as these three.
200
Why was the Great Wall created?
To secure the borders around China and to defend against northern invaders.
200
Using this map, name 5 cities Zheng He covered and what part of the world they are located in
Possible Answers:
Malindi and Mogadishu- Africa
Jidda- Arabian Peninsula
Ormuz- Persia, Asia
Calicut- India
Palemba- East Indies
200
What was the main language spoken during the Ming Dynasty?
Mandarin
200
What is the Hongxi emperor famous for?
He is famous for stopping the voyages of Zheng He which is an example of isolationism.
300
What were some other constructions along the Great Wall that aided in the defense against attacks?
Lookout towers, block houses for sheltering soldiers, beacon towers to send signals, and moats of water.
However, critics mention that the Great Wall was not very complacent with keeping out invaders because it is a form of “stationery defense”. That means there was nothing it could do once the invaders got past it. Many regard it as a creation that was both time-consuming and overly expensive to make.
300
How large were these voyages, and what areas did they cover?(materials, number of people, number and size of ships, areas explored etc)
These voyages consisted of several treasure ships(40 to 300) that were over 400 feet long, and held numerous people, including sailors, soldiers, doctors, etc. During Zheng He’s voyages, he would sail vast distances across the Indian Ocean.
300
What were the three dominant religions of the Ming Dynasty?
Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism
300
Who is Zheng He and how did he come to power?
Zheng He was an Chinese Muslim admiral who was sent by the Ming Dynasty to go on seven treasure voyages. He came to power because he had a vast understanding of ships and because he was not seen as a threat to the Dynasty.
400
What does the Ming rebuilding the great wall of china represent? What can it be connected to?
It represents the ultimate act of isolationism and can be connected to when the Hongxi emperor stopped the voyages of Zheng He
400
What was the purpose of these voyages?
Zheng He wanted to show off the wealth and power of the Ming Dynasty, distributing free gifts such as silk to the areas he explored. Also, to increase trade with foreign countries
400
The Ming Dynasty was a period where ______ factories were being developed.
porcelain factories were being developed
400
Which Ming Dynasty general is credited as the primary creator and builder of the current Great Wall of China?
Qi Ji Guan
500
What were the Mongol attacks and raids and how did they affect the Ming Dynasty?
The Mongol attacks were a series of military efforts from the Mongols to invade China. The Mongols were a constant threat to the citizens of the Ming Dynasty and the Great Wall was built as a method of defense against them
500
How are the voyages an example of sinification?
The voyages are an example of sinification because they expanded China's political influence, culture, and religions across the western oceans to Asia and Africa
500
What were the five social classes, ranging from top to the bottom of the hierarchy?
Emperor, scholars, gentry, peasants, and merchants
500
Who was Yu Qian and why was he important in the Chinese war against the Mongols?
Yu Qian was a defense minister who saved China when the emperor of the Ming dynasty was captured in 1449. He also led Chinese troops against the Mongol leader Esen Taiji.