Chapter 12 The Worlds of the Fifteenth Century

Chapter 12 The Worlds of the Fifteenth Century

            I recall learning about the Ming Dynasty  (1368-1644) when I was nine years old.  My interpretation of this civilization has now changed.  Today, the Ming Dynasty,  which followed the rule of the Mongolians,  still has a historical impact especially when travelers go the China and see the “Great Wall” which was built during that time.   Of great concern, the Ming dynasty reestablished the civil service examination system that created a centralized government unlike the Mongol rule. Most prominent at during that time was the building of massive ships of Emperor Yongle himself.   This started the expansion of an entire community including physicians, government officials, merchants, cooks, soldiers and sailors.  These ships were capable to endure long voyages. This type of ship technology that seem superior over the Europeans have restore back to the Chinese honor and prestige among Asia’s continent.     However, when Yongle died, and the belief that the Chinese were self-sufficient, the ships slowly were neglected because travel by sea was disabled.   To differentiate, humiliation collapse the Chinese power. 

                 Finally, to bring to light, the Chinese people were willing to give up sea power.  Cultural 

isolation turned against the Chinese  people during Ming Dynasty.   This isolation declined any trade 

with seafaring nation.  This “lock-down” technique applied through the Ming Dynasty was during 

the feudal society,  and thus questions why the Chinese relinquish power when Yongle died after 

building such a great army.    Additionally, the developments of the Ming Dynasty famously 

navigated the end of communications of the Ming Dynasty to other parts of the world.