Lesson 4: The Ming Dynasty

After overthrowing the Mongols, the Ming Dynasty sought to restore China's greatness. The Yongle Emperor sponsored seven massive naval expeditions led by Admiral Zheng He. His "Treasure Fleet" of hundreds of giant ships visited Southeast Asia, India, and Africa, distributing gifts and demanding tribute.

These voyages were not for conquest but to display China's power and bring foreign rulers into the Tribute System. Under this system, foreign states acknowledged China’s superiority by sending gifts to the emperor in exchange for trading privileges and protection.

Despite the success of Zheng He's voyages, later Ming officials argued that they were too expensive and that foreign contact was dangerous. The government abruptly ended the expeditions, burned the fleet, and adopted a policy of Isolationism, strictly limiting foreign trade.

To defend against renewed Mongol threats from the north, the Ming undertook a massive project: the restoration and expansion of the Great Wall. Most of the brick and stone wall seen today dates from this period. This focus on defense and isolation marked a turning point, as China turned inward just as Europe began its Age of Exploration.