WH.1D, WH.7E Ming Dynasty

"One of the most significant ways the Ming Dynasty expanded its influence was by sending out large naval expeditions. Zheng He, a famous admiral, led seven voyages between 1405 and 1433 under Emperor Yongle’s orders. His fleet traveled to places such as India, the Middle East, and East Africa." What was the main goal of Zheng He’s voyages?

• To conquer new territories for China

• To establish trade connections and show China’s power
  

• To find a new route to the Americas

• To spread Christianity across Asia

"Zheng He’s voyages helped China establish relationships with distant lands, bringing back valuable goods like spices, ivory, and exotic animals." Which of the following was NOT a good brought back to China by Zheng He?

• Spices

• Ivory

• Exotic animals

• Silver

"However, after Yongle’s death, later emperors ended these expeditions and turned inward, focusing more on China’s internal economy." Why did the Ming Dynasty stop Zheng He’s voyages?

• They lost too many ships in battle

• The new emperors believed trade with foreign lands was not necessary

• Zheng He refused to continue leading the voyages

• China ran out of money to fund the expeditions

"During the 1500s, the silver trade became especially important. The Ming government required that taxes be paid in silver, which created a high demand for the metal." What was the main reason silver became so important in Ming China?

• It was more valuable than gold

• Silver was needed to make the Great Wall stronger

• The government required taxes to be paid in silver

• It was used to make weapons

"China exchanged silk, porcelain, and tea for silver from Spain and Japan. Much of this silver came from Spanish mines in the Americas, especially from Potosí (modern-day Bolivia)." Where did most of the silver used in China come from?

• Japan and Spain

• India and Persia

• The Americas, mainly from Spanish mines

• Africa and the Middle East

"This system made China extremely wealthy and further strengthened its role in world trade." How did the silver trade affect China’s economy?

• It forced China to rely only on domestic trade

• It made China wealthier because foreign countries wanted Chinese goods

• It made China weaker because it had to give up too much gold

• It led to a decline in trade with Europe

"China’s silk, porcelain, and tea were highly desired by other nations." Which product was NOT one of China’s most important trade goods?

• Porcelain

• Tea

• Silk

• Coffee

"European traders and missionaries wanted more access to China, but the Ming government controlled foreign trade and limited European influence." How did the Ming Dynasty respond to European merchants and missionaries?

• They gave Europeans special privileges to trade freely

• They allowed limited trade but controlled foreign influence

• They completely banned all trade with Europe

• They encouraged Europeans to settle in China

"The Ming government restricted European influence, allowing only limited trade through ports such as Macao." Where were European traders allowed to do business in Ming China?

• Beijing

• Shanghai

• Macao

• Nanjing

"When the supply of silver decreased in the early 1600s, it became harder for people to pay their taxes. This financial strain weakened the economy." What problem did China face when silver became harder to get?

• China was invaded because it had no money for an army

• People could not afford to buy silk and porcelain

• The Ming Dynasty stopped all foreign trade

• Taxes became harder to pay, weakening the economy