World History: The Ming Dynasty Lesson

In this full World History lesson, students explore the political, economic, and cultural legacy of the Ming Dynasty in China. Rising after the fall of the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty, the Ming restored Han Chinese rule, expanded international trade, and launched one of the most ambitious maritime exploration efforts in history before turning toward isolation.

Students will analyze the voyages of Zheng He, the Ming government’s demand for silver, interactions with European traders and missionaries, and the dynasty’s eventual fall to the Qing—highlighting the global significance of Ming China during the early modern period.

🧠 Topics Covered:

Restoration of Chinese rule under the Ming

Silver-based economy and tax reforms

Maritime exploration and the tribute system

Voyages of Zheng He to Southeast Asia, India, Arabia, and East Africa

Trade with the Spanish and Portuguese empires

Christian missionaries in Ming China

The decline of the dynasty and Qing conquest

The Queue Law and its political symbolism

📥 Download Matching Resources:
📂 PowerPoint: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/World-History-The-Ming-Dynasty-PowerPoint-14041205

📝 Guided Notes (Free): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/World-History-The-Ming-Dynasty-Guided-Notes-14041224

📦 Full Unit: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/World-History-Age-of-Exploration-Unit-14-Bundle-12183770

🏬 TpT Store:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kloekers-Education-Foundation

🎯 Lesson Objective:
Students will analyze the economic, cultural, and political impact of the Ming Dynasty, including its interactions with foreign powers and its turn toward isolation after Zheng He’s voyages.

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#MingDynasty #ZhengHe #ChineseExploration #EastAsianHistory #WorldHistoryLesson #HighSchoolWorldHistory #SilverTrade #QingDynasty #KloekersEducationFoundation #FlippedClassroom #TpTResources #DynastiesOfChina