TED-ED: The most successful pirate of all time - Dian Murray

Madame Zheng, a formidable pirate leader, commanded a vast fleet and challenged empires. Rising from humble beginnings, she married pirate captain Zheng Yi and helped form a powerful pirate confederation. Under her leadership, the pirates expanded their influence, implementing a progressive code of laws. Despite internal tensions, Madame Zheng skillfully negotiated amnesty with the Chinese government, allowing her to retire peacefully. Her story highlights her strategic acumen and the unique role of women in piracy.

What was Madame Zheng's occupation before becoming a pirate leader?

• A merchant

• A commoner on a flower boat

• A fisherwoman

• A government official

How did Madame Zheng respond to the loss of safe harbor in Vietnam?

• She disbanded her fleet

• She united rival pirate groups

• She sought government support

• She moved operations to another country

What was unique about Madame Zheng's code of laws?

• It banned all forms of piracy

• It protected female captives from mistreatment

• It required pirates to pay taxes

• It allowed unrestricted looting

What was one of the key military achievements of Madame Zheng's confederation?

• Defeating the British navy

• Capturing 63 military vessels of Guangdong Province

• Establishing a trade route to Europe

• Building a fortress on an island

What strategic decision did Madame Zheng make in 1810?

• To expand her fleet

• To relocate to Japan

• To accept amnesty from the Chinese government

• To attack the Portuguese navy

What role did Zhang Bao play after the confederation was dismantled?

• He became a pirate again

• He retired from piracy

• He moved to Europe

• He joined the Chinese navy

How did Madame Zheng spend her later years after retiring from piracy?

• She wrote a book about her life

• She opened a gambling house

• She traveled the world

• She became a government advisor