History Alive! The Medieval World and Beyond SE and ISN Sample (Unit 4 Lesson 18) by Teachers' Curriculum Institute (TCI)

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188 Unit 4

Unit 4

Imperial China 15 The Political Development of Imperial China 16 China Develops a New Economy 17 Chinese Discoveries and Inventions 18 China’s Contacts with the Outside World

A bronze lion stands guard at the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. A complex of palaces built in the early 1400s, the Forbidden City was the seat of Chinese power for five centuries.

Unit Title 189

Unit 4 Setting the Stage

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Physical Features of Asia

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Unit 6

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Imperial China In this unit, you will study imperial China during the period from about 221 b.c.e. to about 1644 c.e. The word imperial means “ruled by an emperor.” During this time, China was under the control of a series of dynasties, or ruling families. China is located on the continent of Asia— the largest continent on Earth. China has three distinct elevations: the highlands in western China, the slightly lower plateau in central China, and the lowlands along the eastern coast. The land is rocky, and the climate is cold in the towering Himalaya and Tian Shan mountains of western China. The Gobi Desert in the northern plateau is very dry. As a result, few people settled in these places. Although the central and southern part of the plateau were more inviting, the coastal lands were the real population centers of imperial China because these plains were threaded with life-giving rivers and blanketed with rich soil.

The Sui, Tang, and Song Dynasties 0

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The Yuan and Ming Dynasties

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Sui dynasty, about 618 Tang dynasty, about 907 Song dynasty, about 1279

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Look at Physical Features of Asia to locate the North China Plain, the Huang He (Yellow River), and the Chang Jiang (Yangtze River). This is where Chinese civilization began since people could cultivate food here and the rivers made transportation easy. Because of these factors, trade flourished. The bustling market for goods led to the growth of cities. During these years of peace and prosperity, scholars and scientists were able to develop new technologies. Some of these led to new industries, while others helped the Chinese enlarge their trade empire. The history of China is tied to its geography in other ways as well. Several strong emperors were able to expand China’s borders to the west and south, while the Gobi Desert stopped Chinese expansion to the north. To the southwest, the cold, high Plateau of Tibet prevented the Chinese from enlarging their empire. At other times, and under other leaders, China was able to protect itself behind its oceans, mountains, and deserts, easily cutting itself off from the world.

W S

Yuan dynasty, about 1368 Ming dynasty, about 1644

MW_SE_U04_03.eps The Yuan and Ming Dynasties Black Cyan Magenta Yellow Second Proof

South China Sea

Imperial China 191

224 Lesson 18

Lesson 18

China’s Contacts with the Outside World How did the foreign-contact policies of three medieval Chinese dynasties affect China? Introduction Medieval China had contact with foreign nations and peoples. However, policies toward these contacts varied with different dynasties, including the Tang dynasty (618–907), the Mongol, or Yuan (YOO-an), dynasty (1279–1368), and the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). At times, the Chinese welcomed foreign contacts. Great cultural exchange resulted as new ideas and products flowed into and out of China through trade routes across Central Asia and on the sea. In this exchange, the Chinese were introduced to new ideas and goods, such as perfume, wine, and the game of polo. Buddhism, which originally came from India, reached its height of influence during the Tang dynasty. A Chinese monk, Xuan Zang (zhwoo-AN ZANG), traveled to India at this time and brought back thousands of Buddhist scriptures. The Chinese honored him for making Buddhism more widely known. Although it was foreign in origin, Buddhism became very popular in China. Many Chinese, however, resented foreign influence. Less than two centuries after Xuan Zang’s trip to India, one scholar-official harshly criticized Buddhism. “Buddha,” he said, “was a man of the barbarians who did not speak the language of China and wore clothes of a different fashion. His sayings did not concern the ways of our ancient kings, nor did his manner of dress conform to their laws.” More than once, such feelings led rulers to try to limit the influence of foreigners. In this lesson, you will learn how the Chinese both welcomed and rejected foreign contacts. You will find out how China’s emperor Chengzu sent the explorer Zheng He to other countries to display China’s power and to acquire tributes from new lands. You will also discover how Ming emperors tried to close China’s doors to foreign influence entirely.

Social Studies Vocabulary maritime Ming Mongols tributary

The gates of the imperial Forbidden City were open to foreigners at times.

China’s Contacts with the Outside World 225

1. Foreign Contacts Under the Tang Dynasty During the Tang dynasty (618–907), China welcomed contact with foreigners. Traders and visitors brought new ideas, goods, fashions, and religions into the country.

The rulers of the Tang dynasty were open to foreign contact, and their control over much of Central Asia made the Silk Road an important trade route again, as it had been in earlier times.

The Influence of Traders and Visitors Beginning in the Han dynasty, traders and visitors came to China by a network of trade routes across Central Asia. From Chang’an, China’s capital, camel caravans crossed the deserts of Central Asia between oases. The routes followed by the caravans are known collectively as the Silk Road, though many goods besides silk were traded. For a time, travel along the Silk Road became unsafe because of fighting in Central Asia. The Tang dynasty made travel safe again by taking control of much of Central Asia, which allowed trade to flourish with Central Asian kingdoms, Persia (modern-day Iran), and the Byzantine Empire. Traders also traveled by sea between China and Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and India. Merchants, missionaries, and other visitors also came to China. Thousands of Arabs, Turks, Persians, Tibetans, Indians, Jews, Koreans, Japanese, and other foreigners lived in seaports and in Chang’an. All these foreign contacts brought about much cultural exchange. The Chinese sent their silk, porcelain, paper, iron, and jade along the trade routes, and in return, they imported ivory, cotton, perfumes, spices, and horses. From India, the Chinese learned to make sugar from sugarcane and wine from grapes. New medicines also came from India.

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The Tang Chinese, especially the upper classes, welcomed new products and ideas from foreign cultures. They wore rubies, pearls, and other jewels, and they drank from goblets made of glass, a material that had previously been unknown in China. They ate new foods, such as spinach, garlic, mustard, and peas. They used cloves, a type of spice, to treat toothaches. Sitting in chairs from Central Asia instead of on floor cushions became a status symbol. The game of polo, a Persian sport played on horseback, became the rage among the upper-class. Chinese music was greatly influenced by melodies and musical instruments from India, Persia, and Central Asia. Artists and artisans also imitated new foreign styles. Silversmiths, for example, began using Persian designs. New religions also came to China, which the Tang dynasty tolerated. Jews, Christians, and Muslims built houses of worship in Chang’an and were even allowed to preach, although they converted few Chinese. The Indian religion of Buddhism had come to China hundreds of years earlier, but it became a major part of Chinese life under the Tang dynasty. Many Chinese became Buddhists. Buddhist monks came from India to teach in China, and Chinese pilgrims went to study in India. Buddhist monks and nuns paid no taxes. They ran schools, public baths, hospitals, and lodgings for travelers. Monasteries accumulated great wealth. Buddhism influenced Chinese art by providing new subjects for painting and sculpture. Buddhist festivals became popular.

Foreign visitors, such as those from the west and Korea, were always welcome at the courts of the Tang emperors. This is a ceramic sculpture of an 8th century foreign wine merchant in China.

Changing Attitudes Toward the end of the Tang dynasty, foreigners and their beliefs became less welcome in China. The government placed restrictions on foreigners when a people called the Uighurs (WEE-gourz) began attacking China from across the border. In cities, violence broke out against foreign merchants, in part because many Chinese resented their prosperity. The wealth of Buddhist monasteries also brought resentment, with some claiming that people became monks just to avoid paying taxes. In addition, influential Chinese began attacking Buddhism as a foreign religion. In 843, the Tang government, which needed money, began seizing Buddhist property and forcing thousands of Buddhist monks and nuns to give up their way of life. Monasteries, shrines, and temples were destroyed, and precious metals from statues were melted down and turned over to the treasury. The persecution of Buddhists lasted only a few years, but it greatly weakened the power of the monasteries. Despite this distrust of foreigners, the Chinese continued to trade with other lands. By the end of the Tang dynasty, trade was being taxed and shifting from the Silk Road. A flourishing sea trade developed between China, India, and the coastal cities of Southeast Asia. Thanks to the compass and improved shipbuilding techniques, overseas trade continued to thrive during the Song dynasty (960–1279). China’s Contacts with the Outside World 227

2. Foreign Contacts Under the Yuan Dynasty Mongols foreign rulers of

China from Mongolia who established the Yuan dynasty maritime relating to the sea

The powerful ruler Kublai Khan (top, center) founded the Yuan dynasty, which ruled China for almost 100 years.

228 Lesson 18

As you have read, the Song dynasty came to an end when the Mongols conquered China. Recall that the Mongol leader Kublai Khan became emperor of China in 1279. He called his dynasty the Yuan dynasty. Under the Mongols, foreigners ruled China for nearly 100 years. The vast Mongol empire stretched clear across Asia. Travel along the Silk Road became very safe because the entire region was now under the control of one government. The Mongols also developed a far-reaching maritime trade. Travel and trade expanded as never before, and more and more foreigners came to China. Thriving Trade and Cultural Exchange By welcoming traders and other foreigners, the Yuan leaders encouraged cultural exchange. They respected merchants and actively promoted trade. They set up stations along the Silk Road every 20 miles where traders could find food and a place to sleep. Muslim merchant associations managed the Silk Road trade and traded Chinese silk and porcelain for medicines, perfumes, and ivory. Some of the foreign visitors who traveled the Silk Road from Europe to China were Christian missionaries. They wanted to convert the Chinese to Christianity, and they also wanted Kublai Khan to form an alliance with Europeans against the Muslims. Both goals failed. Still, Christian missionaries did make some converts, and they helped bring new ideas to China. Sea trade also flourished under the Yuan emperors. Ships from India brought diamonds and pearls. Ginger, cotton, and muslin came from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). From Java came black pepper, white walnuts, and cloves. Many foreigners who came to China brought special skills. Muslim architects, for example, built the Yuan capital of Dadu, today’s Beijing. Persians brought their advanced knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and water management. Jamal al-Din, a Persian astronomer, introduced new and better astronomical instruments, helped to develop a new calendar, and set up an observatory, which was a special building for the study of astronomy. Muslim and Persian doctors established new hospitals.

Foreign contacts also allowed skills and information to flow from China and spread to other parts of the world. Europeans, for example, learned about the Chinese inventions of gunpowder and printing. The Role of Foreigners in China Foreigners enjoyed high status under the Yuan rulers, and foreign merchants, in particular, were given special privileges. Unlike Chinese merchants, they could travel freely and did not have to pay taxes. They also spoke other languages, which the Chinese were forbidden to learn. Kublai Khan appointed many visiting foreigners to official positions in his government. The most famous was Marco Polo, a young Italian merchant and adventurer who traveled throughout China. Route of Marco Polo, 1271–1295 Polo first traveled to China as a teenager with his father and BYZANTINE uncle, who were merchants from EMPIRE Venice in Italy. Their route took Venice Dadu MONGOLIA A Dad (Beijing) them across Persia and along the 40°N Constantinople JAPAN southern branch of the Silk Road. PERSIA 20°E 140°E Throughout the long journey, CHINA KOREA ITALY Marco Polo paid attention to the Persian INDIA 20°N 40°E Gulf interesting new things he saw. PACIFIC After three and a half years OCEAN AFRICA N and over 5,000 miles, the Polos INDIAN 0° reached the court of Kublai Khan. OCEAN E W The khan liked Marco and enjoyed S 2,000 miles 1,000 60°E 0 his accounts of his travels, so he 120°E 0 1,000 2,000 kilometers 20°S Route of Marco Polo sent Marco to represent him on Eckert III Projection City inspection tours around China. 100°E 80°E Although Marco Polo did not MW_SE_18_03b.eps read or write Chinese, he observed Marco Polo Marco Polo followed a land route to carefully. He traveled around China forBlack about 17 Magenta years before Cyan YellowbeginSecond Proof he dictated an reach China. He returned home by sea. ning his journey home. When he returned to Italy, TCI20 38 account of his experiences to an author who wrote a book about him. The tale of Polo’s travels gave Europeans firsthand knowledge of China and further stimulated interest in trade. Under Kublai Khan, life was more pleasant for Mongols and foreigners, such as Marco Polo, than it was for the native Chinese. The Chinese were at the bottom of the social order and resented the restrictions placed on them. They also disliked being ruled by foreigners, especially since a few foreign government officials were harsh and dishonest. The Chinese hated a Muslim finance minister named Ahmed so much that they assassinated him. The resentment that built up under Yuan rule helped make the Chinese suspicious of further contact with foreigners. China’s Contacts with the Outside World 229

3. Foreign Contacts Under the Ming Dynasty Ming the dynasty that ruled

China after the overthrow of the Yuan

The Chinese eventually rebelled against the Yuan. From 1368 to 1644, the Ming dynasty ruled China. Although foreign contacts continued, later Ming rulers tried to isolate China from foreign influences.

Tributaries and Maritime Expeditions The Ming dynasty saw China as the oldest, largest, most civilized, and most important or territory that pays tribute to country in the world. Other nations, they felt, should acknowledge the conqueror China’s superiority by paying tribute. Under the Ming, many other countries were China’s tributaries. The Chinese emperors acknowledged their rulers, provided military help, and allowed them to trade with China. When ambassadors from the tributaries visited China, they had to kowtow before the emperor. This meant they had to kneel and touch their heads to the floor three times. In return for bringing tribute, the ambassadors were given valuable gifts. They were also allowed to buy and sell goods at official markets. These exchanges benefited the foreigners as well as the Chinese. Emperor Chengzu (sheng-ZOO), who came into power in 1402, wanted more tributaries. He gave a trusted adviser, Zheng He (JENG HAY), the title “Admiral of the Western Seas” and told him to sail to “the countries beyond the horizon . . . all the way to the end of the earth.” Zheng He was to display China’s power, to give gifts, and to collect tribute. In 1405, Zheng He set off with a fleet of more than 300 ships, the One of the great explorers of history, largest fleet in the world at that time. It carried about 28,000 men, Zheng He made several long voyages. He even reached the east coast of Africa. including sailors, soldiers, translators, merchants, and doctors. To feed this enormous force, ships carried huge loads of rice and other food. Naval Voyages of Zheng He, 1405–1433 They had tubs of soil for growing vegetables and fruit onboard, as well as large watertight compartBeijing ments that were converted into 40°N A S I A Nanking aquariums to hold fresh fish for 20°E PERSIA 140°E CHINA Ormuz the crew. ARABIA Hangchow Canton INDIA Jidda The largest ships had four 20°N Calicut decks, nine masts with twelve sails, Saigon PACIFIC AFRICA and twelve watertight compartOCEAN N ments. Cabins were provided so Mogadishu INDIAN Malacca 0° that merchants on long trading OCEAN W E voyages could bring their wives. S 1,000 2,000 miles 60°E 0 Zheng He made seven expedi120°E 0 1,000 2,000 kilometers 20°S tions between 1405 and 1433. Route of Zheng He Eckert III Projection City At first, he traveled only as far 100°E 80°E as India. tributary a conquered country

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230 Lesson 18 He Route of Zheng

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Later, he reached the Persian Gulf and even sailed to ports along the east coast of Africa. Thirty or more of the places he visited became tributaries of China. Zheng He’s ships returned laden with precious cargo. From India they brought sashes made of gold thread, decorated with pearls and gems. They also carried medicinal herbs, dyes, spices, gems, pearls, ivory, and even exotic animals such as zebras, ostriches, lions, leopards, and giraffes. Turning Inward When Zheng He died, in about 1434, a new emperor ruled China. The government needed money to fight off attempts of the Mongols to retake control, and scholar-officials persuaded the emperor to stop the expensive expeditions. From that time on, the dynasty turned inward. Ming rulers wanted to protect their people from foreign influences, so they forbade travel outside China. All contact between Chinese people and foreigners had to be approved by the government. The Ming dynasty and its scholar-officials wanted a strongly unified state based on a single ruler and traditional values. The huge and complex government bureaucracy was staffed by scholar-officials chosen by examinations. The conservative outlook of these officials dominated Chinese thought and government into the 20th century. The Ming desire for uniformity made it difficult for the government to change in response to new conditions. In the end, it became too rigid to adapt. Peasant rebellions helped to bring down the government in 1644, ending the Ming dynasty.

A statue of a scholar-official guards the Ming tombs nears Nanjing, China.

Lesson Summary In this lesson, you learned that medieval Chinese rulers welcomed or rejected foreign contacts at various times, depending on the policies of the particular dynasty. Foreign Contacts Under the Tang During the Tang dynasty, ideas and goods from other places flowed into China. Buddhism, imported from India, became very popular. Eventually, however, many Chinese came to resent foreigners and foreign influences. Foreign Contacts Under the Yuan Coming from outside China themselves, the Mongols of the Yuan dynasty promoted trade and gave foreigners important positions in the government. Cultural exchange flourished. At the same time, the Chinese began to resent their non-Chinese rulers. This attitude lasted long after the Yuan dynasty was overthrown. Foreign Contacts Under the Ming Under the early Ming rulers, China collected tribute from other lands and undertook great maritime expeditions, such as those led by Zheng He. Later Ming emperors, however, tried to close China off from foreign influence, even forbidding Chinese people to travel abroad.

China’s Contacts with the Outside World 231

Reading Further The Explorations of Admiral Zheng He Six hundred years ago, Admiral Zheng He led Chinese sailors on seven extraordinary expeditions to India, Arabia, and Africa. At the time, Chinese ships called junks were far more advanced than European vessels. Sailing those magnificent ships, Zheng He traded with countries on two continents. However, in the 1430s, the Chinese suddenly stopped trading and exploring. What happened?

Chinese admiral Zheng He, shown here on a Chinese stamp from 2005, was one of the world’s great early explorers.

The year was 1405, and Admiral Zheng He stood on the deck of his ship. At almost seven feet in height, Zheng He towered over everyone around him. People who knew him said, “His eyebrows were like swords and his forehead wide, like a tiger’s.” When he gave an order, his sailors obeyed immediately. From his deck, Zheng saw his ships spread behind him as far as he could see. With pride, he looked at the vessels that followed his out of the harbor of Luijia, near Nanjing, China’s capital. The entire fleet, which carried about 28,000 people, was heading toward the cities of India. “Treat Distant People with Kindness” Known as the “Admiral of the Western Seas,” Zheng He led the greatest fleet of merchant vessels up to that time. The man who sent out the fleet was Emperor Chengzu, a bold and ambitious leader who wanted his people to explore the world and expand trade. In 1403, he ordered his royal carpenters to construct a huge fleet, and for the next three years, they tackled this vast job. The emperor selected Zheng He, his friend since boyhood, to be the admiral of this powerful new fleet. Zheng came from a Muslim family in western China. When the Chinese defeated the Mongols in the region in 1382, they took Zheng prisoner and brought him to Chengzu’s court. The two boys hunted and rode horses together, and soon became good friends. Later, when Zheng He served in the Chinese army, he showed a talent for strategy and commanded the respect and obedience of others. He also won Chengzu’s complete trust. The emperor directed Zheng He to sail west to faraway lands, “confer presents,” and “treat distant people with kindness.” We know the emperor’s exact words because Zheng He carved reports about the expeditions into stone tablets that still exist. Chengzu ordered merchants across China to supply trade goods for the expedition, including silk, cotton, wine, tea, silk robes, and porcelain.

232 Lesson 18

The Greatest Fleet in the World Zheng He’s ships were far more technologically advanced than were European ships of that time. The largest vessels in his fleet were the enormous treasure ships, measuring about 400 feet long and 160 feet wide. In contrast, the Santa Maria, Christopher Columbus’s flagship, measured about 85 feet in length. The treasure ships had 9 masts and 12 sails of red silk, and each vessel had more than 50 luxurious staterooms for officers and merchants. As the fleet sailed out of Luijia Harbor, Zheng He set a course toward Calicut, a city-state on the west coast of India. The most advanced navigation tools in the world helped the fleet sail across the Indian Ocean. Ninety years later, Columbus would not have equipment as good as Zheng He’s. The key was the magnetic compass, an essential tool the Chinese invented in the 11th century. The compass allowed the Chinese to steer their ships even under cloud cover. Chinese sailors could also determine their latitude, or distance from the equator. Each evening they took readings to find the North Star’s position above the horizon. The closer the star’s position to the horizon, the farther south they were. The farther the star’s position from the horizon, the farther north they were.

Equipped with advanced navigation tools, Zheng He was able to steer his huge fleet across the Indian Ocean on his great expeditions.

China’s Contacts with the Outside World 233

Success in India Zheng He and his fleet reached the wealthy city-state of Calicut in late 1406. Calicut’s merchants had fabulous goods, such as spices, to trade and eagerly boarded Zheng He’s ships. The Indian merchants drove hard bargains, but the bargaining was always honest. One observer wrote that they “have all joined hands and sealed our agreement with a handclasp.” Zheng He returned in triumph from India in 1407. Along with trade goods, he brought ambassadors from Calicut and other Asian countries, all of whom paid tribute to Emperor Chengzu and gave him gifts. The Chinese celebrated Zheng He as a great hero for expanding China’s influence all the way to India.

During the first expedition, Zheng He’s fleet traded for spices, such as these, with Indian merchants at the port of Calicut.

Sailing to Arabia and Africa Zheng He made a total of seven voyages of discovery. His second and third expeditions, which occurred between 1407 and 1411, built on the success of the first. On the third voyage, Zheng He sailed to the South Asian kingdoms of Malacca and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). In 1412, the emperor started to plan the fourth expedition, which included 62 ships. In 1414, after two years of preparation, Zheng He launched his fleet. This time he sailed beyond India to Hormuz, a wealthy Arabian city. Chinese merchants on this expedition traded for pearls, rubies, sapphires, and beautiful carpets. In addition, Zheng He wrote, “Hormuz presented lions, leopards with gold spots, and large western horses.” On their return trip home to China, one of Zheng He’s officers received another gift for the emperor—a giraffe. The Chinese marveled at the creature’s long neck and believed that it was a quilin, or mythical creature. When Zheng He returned to China, the emperor and the people again welcomed him as a hero. In 1416, he left on his fifth voyage, again to Arabia. However, this time the fleet continued to eastern Africa.

Voyages of Discovery, 1405–1521

The expeditions of Zheng He were the earliest and largest of the medieval period.

234 Lesson 18

Explorer

Number of Ships

Number of Crew

Zheng He (1405–1433)

48–317

28,000

Christopher Columbus (1492)

Vasco da Gama (1498)

170

Ferdinand Magellan (1521)

265

When Zheng He reached the city of Mogadishu in Somalia, the city’s leaders refused to welcome him. Angered, he launched explosives over the walls of the city until finally Mogadishu’s doors opened to him. According to Zheng He, “Mogadishu presented . . . zebras as well as lions.” Zheng He made his sixth voyage in 1421. Partway through the expedition, however, he returned to China to help Emperor Chengzu celebrate the opening of Beijing, China’s new capital. In 1424, Emperor Chengzu died, ending the men’s nearly 50-year friendship. Disagreements over Expeditions The new emperor did not share Chengzu’s adventurous spirit and put a stop to Zheng He’s voyages. When that emperor died in 1426, however, his successor allowed Zheng He to resume exploring. The admiral, now over the age of 60, made his seventh and final voyage in 1431 to the southern coast of Arabia. He and his crew were also received by the sultan of Egypt. However, the years had caught up with Zheng He, and he died on the way home and was buried at sea. By 1435, another new emperor was on the throne, and China began to turn inward. The new leadership was very traditional. They claimed that China already had the best of everything and had no need to trade. The royal government even destroyed some records of Zheng He’s voyages because they feared that they might inspire others. In 1525, the emperor ordered all ships capable of ocean voyages to be destroyed. China was increasingly isolated from the rest of the world and began a long decline. Only in recent decades has China, once again, begun to reach beyond its own borders. Now, it is a major trading partner with the United States and other nations. Today, the spirit of Zheng He is alive and well.

At the Arabian port of Hormuz, Zheng He acquired gems, as well as beautiful carpets, such as these.

China’s Contacts with the Outside World 235

Timeline Challenge Imperial China

About 960 C.E. Merit-Based Exams Begin During the Song dynasty, people of all classes become scholar-officials through a merit-based civil service exam based on the works of Confucius.

206 B.C.E.– 220 C.E. Han Dynasty The Han dynasty rules over a golden age of expansion and prosperity for China.

About 850 C.E. Gunpowder Invented A formula for gunpowder is recorded in China and allows for the later development of weapons such as grenades, flamethrowers, artillery shells, and bombs.

300 B.C.E.

100 B.C.E.

100 C.E.

300 C.E.

618 – 9 07 C.E. Tang Dynasty During the Tang dynasty, Buddhism spreads from India to China and gains many Chinese followers.

960 –1279 C.E. Song Dynasty During the Song dynasty, agricultural improvements increase food production, allowing for growth in areas other than farming, such as trade and commerce.

500 C.E.

700 C.E.

About 1050 C.E. Movable Type Invented Movable type is invented in China, which lowers the cost of printing and makes written materials more widely available.

700 C.E.

900 C.E.

1405–1433 C.E. 1279 –1368 C.E. Yuan Dynasty After conquering most of Asia, the Mongols establish the Yuan dynasty in China and greatly favor foreigners to fill important government positions.

1100 C.E.

1300 C.E.

Voyages of Zheng He Zheng He’s seven maritime voyages display China’s power and gain new tributary states for China during the Ming dynasty.

1500 C.E.

Late 1200s C.E. 1100s C.E. Papermaking Spreads to Europe Nearly 1,000 years after it was developed in China, the art of papermaking spreads to Europe. Paper becomes crucial for recording and transmitting information.

Marco Polo Visits China Marco Polo travels through China as a guest of the Mongol emperor Kublai Khan; a book about his travels becomes a European best seller.

1368–1644 C.E. Ming Dynasty Mongol rule of China ends in 1368. The Chinese establish their own government under the Ming dynasty. The Ming build the Forbidden City.

1700 C.E.

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Interactive Student Notebook

The Interactive Student Notebook will help you remember what you learn. Your notebook gives you a place to: • take notes from your reading. • record discoveries from activities. • write down key takeaways of each lesson. Now you have your own study guide to help you explore history!

Interactive Student Notebook

H A N D O U T

KWL Chart Before you begin this unit, fill out the first two columns by listing things you already know, and things you want to find out, about this topic. Throughout the unit, add details to the last column to show what you have learned. Topic: Know

Want to Know

Learned

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CHINA

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1 Imperial China Geography Challenge

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Geography Skills Analyze the maps in “Setting the Stage” for Imperial China in the Student Text. Then answer the following questions and fill out the map as directed. 1. Label the Sea of Japan (East Sea), the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal. Which of these bodies of water lies farthest north?

2. Locate the deserts that lie in and near imperial China. Label them on your map. 3. Suppose traders were traveling from China to the Mediterranean region. What physical features in China would they have had to cross?

4. Draw a line showing the shortest sea route from China to the eastern coast of India. Begin at the mouth of the Chang Jiang (Yangtze River). Why might knowledge of the compass have allowed the Chinese to have been, at one time, a major sea power?

5. During the 200s B.C.E., a Chinese emperor ordered his people to connect walls built by earlier rulers. The completed project, the Great Wall of China, extended along the northern border of China. It was meant to protect the Chinese from invasions that came from the north. Why do you think the emperor was more concerned about attacks from this direction than any other?

6. Label the Huang He (Yellow River), the Chang Jiang (Yangtze River), the North China Plain, and the Chang Jiang Basins. Land near these rivers was heavily populated. Why might this be so?

Imperial China Geography Challenge 2

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7. Label the Plateau of Tibet, the Tian Shan, and the Himalayas on your map. In what part of China are they located? Why would these features have made sea trade more popular than overland trade?

Critical Thinking Answer the following questions in complete sentences. 8. While it took around 500 years for the Buddhist religion to reach China from India, it took more than twice that long for Christianity to reach China from Europe. What geographical factors might explain this difference?

9. Look at the land to the north of the North China Plain. Why might the people living in this area have attacked those living around the Huang He (Yellow River)?

10. How did China’s geography influence the directions in which rulers chose to expand their empires?

11. What geographical features of China led to the growth of cities? Explain your answer.

3 Imperial China Geography Challenge

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China’s Contacts with the Outside World How did the foreign-contact policies of three medieval Chinese dynasties affect China? P R E V I E W

Read the situation below. The Johnsons have just moved to a new neighborhood. They are debating whether to have an open- or closed-door policy toward their neighbors. If they have an open-door policy, they will invite the neighbors to parties, ask for and perform favors for them, and borrow from and lend things to them. If they have a closed-door policy, they will keep to themselves and not interact with their neighbors at all. In the T-chart below, write two arguments in favor of the Johnsons following an open-door policy and two arguments in favor of a closed-door policy. One example is done for each. Arguments for an Open-Door Policy

Arguments for a Closed-Door Policy

An open-door policy is a good idea because if the Johnsons are friendly with their neighbors, their neighbors will share information about local services.

A closed-door policy is good because if the Johnsons are not friendly with the neighbors, the neighbors won’t ask to borrow their things.

China’s Contacts with the Outside World 1

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Social Studies Vocabulary

As you complete the Reading Notes, use these terms in your answers. Mongols Ming maritime tributary If you are doing the activity for this lesson, complete all steps in the Reading Notes for each section. (Note: If you are not doing the activity, skip Step 1 for each section.) Section 1

Step 1: Read along with the first dialogue on the Handout. Step 2: Answer the following questions about Section 1. 1. In the space below, list at least six countries with whom China had contact during the Tang dynasty (through traders, merchants, missionaries, or visitors).

2. Describe how attitudes and policies changed toward the end of the Tang dynasty in regard to each of the following: • Foreigners: • Buddhists: • Trade routes:

Step 3: Answer the following question, using supporting details from your Reading Notes: To what degree did emperors of the Tang dynasty pursue a closed- or an open-door policy? Then, place an X at the appropriate place on the spectrum to indicate your answer.

Closed-Door Policy 2 China’s Contacts with the Outside World

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Section 2

Step 1: Read along with the second dialogue on the Handout. Step 2: Answer the following questions about Section 2. 1. List four ways in which China was affected by thriving trade during the Yuan dynasty.

2. Describe the role of foreigners in China during the Yuan dynasty. Then, explain how the Chinese felt about this.

Step 3: Answer the following question, using supporting details from your Reading Notes: To what degree did emperors of the Yuan dynasty pursue a closed- or an open-door policy? Then, place an X at the appropriate place on the spectrum to indicate your answer.

Open-Door Policy China’s Contacts with the Outside World 3

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Section 3

Step 1: Read along with the third dialogue on the Handout. Step 2: Answer the following questions about Section 3. 1. What belief led China to acquire tributaries during the Ming dynasty?

2. Explain the purpose and result of Zheng He’s expeditions.

3. Describe what happened as the Ming dynasty turned inward in the mid-1400s.

Step 3: Answer the following question, using supporting details from your Reading Notes: To what degree did emperors of the Ming dynasty pursue a closed- or an open-door policy? Then, place and X at the appropriate place on the spectrum to indicate your answer.

Closed-Door Policy 4 China’s Contacts with the Outside World

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P R O C E S S I N G

You are a Ming emperor. You must decide whether China should have an opendoor policy or a closed-door policy toward foreigners. In the space below, write your decision in the form of a royal proclamation. Then give five reasons that support your decision. Illustrate each of your reasons. For example, you might write, “Contact with foreigners benefits China because foreign merchants bring us luxuries, such as pearls.” You might illustrate this sentence with a pearl.

China’s Contacts with the Outside World 5

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F U R T H E R

Preparing to Write: Story Mapping a Narrative The story, or narrative, of Zheng He’s life is one of the great sea adventures. Is there an event in your life that was fun or exciting, such as a theme-park visit, favorite vacation, or a special celebration? Choose an event in your life that you would like to write about. Then complete the story map below to plan your own autobiographical narrative. Topic/Title Setting Character(s)

Beginning Actions or Events

Middle Actions or Events

Conclusion

6 China’s Contacts with the Outside World

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Writing an Autobiographical Narrative Use your story map to write your autobiographical narrative. Your narrative should be written in the first person, meaning from your point of view. It should also include a beginning, a middle, and an ending and be from 500 to 700 words long.

Use this rubric to evaluate your autobiographical narrative. Make changes to your narrative if you need to. Score

Description

The narrative is written in the first person, includes a clear beginning, middle, and ending and is from 500 to 700 words long. There are no spelling or grammatical errors

The narrative is written in the first person, includes a beginning, middle, and ending and is at least 500 words long. There are some spelling or grammatical errors.

The narrative is written in the first person, includes a vague beginning, middle, and ending or is missing main plot points, and is fewer than 500 words long. There are many spelling or grammatical errors.

China’s Contacts with the Outside World 7

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E N C O U N T E R

Quanzhou (1100–1400) 1. Based on its geographic position, what advantages did Quanzhou have as a trade city?

2. Consider this question: Why was Quanzhou such an important center of exchange? Then find information in each section of the reading that helps answer this question. Section

How does this answer the question?

Communities in Quanzhou

Chinese Regulation

Chinese Technology and Innovations

8 China’s Contacts with the Outside World

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3. Write a response that is at least one-paragraph long to answer the questions: What were the effects of exchanges in Quanzhou? Which effect was most important and why?

Create a claim and support it with logical reasoning, supporting data, and evidence that show you understand the topic.

China’s Contacts with the Outside World 9

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Timeline Skills Analyze the Imperial China timeline in the Student Text. Also think about what you have learned in this unit. Then answer the following questions. 1. For how many years did the Han dynasty rule China?

2. What religion spread to China under the Tang dynasty, and where did it come from?

3. During which dynasty were officials chosen by merit-based exams?

4. What was the result of increased food production during the Song dynasty?

5. What invention made written materials more widely available?

6. About what year was the art of papermaking developed in China? Why was this an important invention?

7. How many years passed between the fall of the Tang dynasty and the rise of the Song dynasty?

8. Which foreign group ruled China during the Yuan dynasty?

9. During which dynasty did Marco Polo travel through China?

10. During which dynasty did Zheng He make his voyages?

1 Imperial China Timeline Challenge

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Critical Thinking Use the timeline and the lessons in the unit to answer the following questions. 11. Which do you think most contributed to a high quality of life in China during the Song dynasty: agricultural changes or trade? Explain your answer.

12. The Chinese made many discoveries and inventions between about 200 C.E. and 1400 C.E. What two inventions do you believe have most affected life today, and why?

13. Compare the process of appointing government officials under the Song and Yuan dynasties.

14. If you could add three more events to this timeline, which would they be? List each event, and explain why you think it is important enough to add to the timeline. a.

Imperial China Timeline Challenge 2

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Interactive Student Notebook