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Ming Dynasty Growth and Wealth

The imperial Ming Dynasty in China became powerful and wealthy because the reign

was characterized by civil service development and a strong government. Trade and commerce

flourished during the rule, enabling the Ming Dynasty to become wealthy. The political stability

facilitated the development. According to Schneewind (3), "the Ming Empire was also politically

unified; unlike contemporary Europe, where local power was largely hereditary and not closely

controlled by the monarchies." Trade flourished under the rule of Zhu Di, also termed as the

Yongle Emperor. His approach was different from the decision for commerce, which was

embedded in the Confucian tradition. Under Yongle's rule, the largest sea expeditions were

launched from China. The development was enabled by the availability of Chinese carpenters

who were experts in the construction of massive vessels essential for overseas trade

(Schneewind, 63). At the same time, religion and respect for deities were crucial for the Ming

Dynasty's survival. For instance, the text highlights how the emperor was keen on the proper

interpretation of the omens. "moreover, discerning heavens will in any particular case was

difficult, and one sign of an emperor's virtue was his willingness to accept scholar-officials.

The development contributed to the consolidation of the global silver economy because

the metal became standard medium of payment. Initially, silver was mined in the southwestern

provinces of Yunnan and Guizhou. The empire imported additional silver from Japan. Around
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the same time, Portugal and Spain began to establish silver mines in South America, mainly in

Bolivia, Mexico and Peru (Schneewind, 91). Spain and Portugal paid for tea, silk and porcelain

imports from China using silver. Consequently, silver remained a crucial currency until the

1900s. From the thirteenth century, tribute gifts to the emperor were only sent as silver.

Likewise, salt taxes were paid in the form of silver.

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Work Cited

Schneewind, Sarah. A Tale of Two Melons. Hackett Publishing Company, Inc, pp 1-102