Ming Dynasty
Who was the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and how did he rise to power?
Hongwu, a peasant, led an uprising against the Yuan Dynasty and became the first emperor.
Who was Yonglo, and what major city did he establish as the Ming capital?
He was Hongwu’s son, and he moved the capital to Beijing.
Which three ports were designated for foreign trade under Ming rule?
Canton, Macao, and Ningbo.
What was the main purpose of the Ming Dynasty’s Great Wall?
To protect against Mongol invasions and assert Chinese strength.
What were the main causes of the Ming Dynasty’s decline?
Corruption, weak leadership, high taxes, and internal rebellion.
What ideology did Hongwu restore to strengthen his government?
Confucianism, including merit-based appointments through civil service exams.
What was the purpose of Zheng He’s voyages?
To showcase China’s power, build trade relationships, and collect tributes from other countries.
Why were these specific ports chosen for foreign trade?
They were easier to monitor and secure against foreign threats.
What were the three main defensive features of the Great Wall?
Watchtowers, beacons, and garrisons.
What group overthrew the Ming Dynasty in 1644?
The Manchus from Manchuria.
How did the Ming Dynasty prioritize agriculture?
They encouraged fish farming, crop growth, and self-sufficiency to rebuild the economy.
What regions did Zheng He visit during his voyages?
Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and Africa.
How did Confucian beliefs shape Ming economic policies?
Farmers were favored over merchants, as farming was seen as productive, while trade was profit-driven.
How did the Great Wall serve as an advanced military structure for its time?
It provided an early warning system through fire and smoke signals.
How did the Manchus win over the Chinese population?
They followed Confucian traditions, kept social structures, secured borders, and boosted the economy
Why did neighboring Asian countries pay tribute to China during the Ming Dynasty?
To show respect and maintain diplomatic ties.
Why did the Ming Dynasty stop Zheng He’s expeditions?
The voyages were too expensive, and the Ming rulers wanted to focus on securing China’s borders.
Who was Matteo Ricci, and what did he introduce to China?
A European missionary who brought new gadgets, ideas, and Christianity
Besides the Mongols, what other threats did the Ming Dynasty face?
Internal rebellions, corrupt officials, and increasing pressure from European traders.
Who was Qianlong, and what were his main challenges as emperor?
He was a Qing ruler who managed border threats and increasing European influence.
What made Hongwu transition from a benevolent leader to a paranoid ruler?
He became distrustful and executed many officials to secure his rule.
What was the Forbidden City, and why was it significant?
A grand palace complex in Beijing, built to centralize power and symbolize the emperor’s authority.
What was the Ming policy on European silver?
The Ming primarily traded silk and porcelain for Spanish silver, which fueled their economy.
What was the military strategy behind limiting foreign trade to a few specific ports?
It allowed the Ming to control access to foreign merchants while minimizing external influences.
What was the kowtow ritual, and why did the British refuse to perform it?
It involved kneeling and touching the ground nine times to show respect. The British refused because they saw it as degrading.