Focus Session One OBJECTIVES The student will: Identify the routes taken by Zheng Hes fleet during the seven recorded voyages Identify the route of discovery according to the theory of Gavin Menzies Discuss-debate Gavin Menzies theory that Zheng He discovered the Americas in 1421 Provide evidence to support your position Who Discovered the Americas? TIME LINEEXPLORERDISCOVERY Discussion Routes Effects of Wind and Ocean Beijing Hangzhou Maldives China Before the Europeans: The Ming Dynasty China: The Ming Dynasty The Ming Dynasty replaced the Mongol Yuan Dynasty Its influence were felt in Tibet, Korea, Vietnam, and Mongolia The Eastern seas were dominated by the great Ming fleet under Zheng He The Empire also traded with Asia, India, Middle East and Africa 7 remarkable voyages were sponsored by Emperor Yung-lo The Voyages of Zheng He (Cheng Ho) Admiral Zheng He: A Muslim eunuch in 1405 Zheng He undertook the first voyage The fleet consisted of 62 large treasure ships and 300 smaller ships with a total of about 30,000 crew members Sailed to India, Asian, and African Coasts The primary purpose was to collect tribute, but traded as well Best trade item: 1419 arrived with giraffe: a gift of the Sultan of Malindi The Voyages of Zheng He: Beijing Hangzhou Surabaya Palembang Malacca Semudera Banda Aceh Qui Nhon Kelantan Ayutthaya Chittagong Galle Kozhikode Hormuz Dhofar Aden Mogadishu Malindi Maldives The Voyages of Zheng He: Beijing Hangzhou Surabaya Palembang Malacca Semudera Banda Aceh Qui Nhon Kelantan Ayutthaya Chittagong Galle Kozhikode Hormuz Dhofar Aden Mogadishu Malindi Maldives Zheng Hes Fleet: The Baochuan Treasure ship The treasure ship was: 450 feet long by 170 feet wide Displaced 1600 tons Crew of 500 European ship: 74 feet long by 14 feet wide Displaced 100 tons Crew of 25 China: The Ming Dynasty however, the Confucian bureaucracy ordered a policy of isolation and a new emperor issued the follow edit: No one sails from North to South. It is prohibited by the Emperor, in order that the country may not be come known. The fleet was recalled and destroyed The vacuum opened the way for European exploitation Students Will: Conduct an Internet search for information about Zheng He and his seven recorded voyages Gather information about the voyages and trace the routes of his voyages identifying the countries he visited Gather information about Gavin Menzies theory that Zheng He discovered the Americas Organize the collected information in preparation for class discussion-debate Write an essay supporting you view about Gavin Menziestheory. In Class Assignment: Internet Access