Above, the Chinese admiral Zheng He.
Today, you will research the voyages of Zheng He, the famous Chinese admiral, to better understand the Chinese naval and commercial activities in the Indian Ocean in the early 15th century.
Using the links below, as well as your notes from class and your textbook, answer the following questions in 3-4 sentences each:
1. What do Zheng He’s experiences tell us about the values of China at this time?
2. What do the Chinese fleets reveal about technology and wealth in China at this time?
3. How did the Chinese use a tribute system as a means of trade?
4. What advantages and disadvantages might a Ming ruler have seen in continuing overseas trade?
Above, a diagram comparing the size of Zheng He’s ships to those of Columbus.
Links:
China’s Great Armada and Admiral Zheng He from National Geographic
Sultan’s Lost Treasure from NOVA Online (Read pages 1 and 2)
Zheng He Maritime Explorations - Overview from ABC-Clio (You will need to log in to view this link.)
Zheng He biography
