• In early 1400s, emperor Yongle sponsored maritime expeditions
• From 1405 to 1433, Zheng’s fleet went as far as southern Africa
• Naval adventures became target of political infighting
  • Were suppressed once Zheng’s child ascended to throne
• Many scholars saw failure to continue as China lacking range
  • Others disagree, saying people found China richer than foreign lands
• In around 1575, emperor reversed course and allowed ships
  • As a result, Ming were drawn into worldwide trade network
• Decision to reverse course was driven by political and economic factors
  • To obtain goods such as silver, China needed to lift trade bans
  • Populace depended on trade, causing piracy to rise during trade bans
• Money arbitrarily switched, with paper money losing value quickly