The Ming Dynasty

an exchange of technological and cultural ideas

increased warfare between China and Islamic Empires

an increased interest in Europe by Chinese explorers

improved ships and navigation techniques

Ming control over coastal slave-trading posts around the Indian Ocean

the expansion of China’s trade connections with Africa and Southwest Asia

the improvement of Chinese navigational techniques and ship designs

China’s dominance of East and South Asian trade with Europe and the Middle East

farmers

government officials

merchants

military leaders

colonizing wealthy regions of Asia

shifting their trade to the Americas

producing silk and porcelain in Europe

searching for new trade routes to Asia