Zheng He - The Only Influential Chinese Overseas Explorer

Since the beginning of the 15th century, exploration has been the focal point for many nations. China and Europe both set sail with the same overall goal: overseas expansion. Although China's expansion ended just before Europe began, there were many similarities and differences between the two. Both nations aimed to expand their power and control by acquiring more land. China and Europe also sought the resources needed to create the largest society possible. China's expansion lasted from the beginning of the 14th century until around 1435, while Europe's continued from the 1440s through the 15th century.

Zheng He - The Sole Prominent Chinese Explorer Abroad

The Chinese overseas expansion was much shorter than Europe’s due to poor leadership within China's government, which led to isolation within the country. Conversely, Europe's governments continued to grow their societies throughout the 15th century, building the strongest nations possible. The factors that led to Europe’s and China’s similar efforts in expansion yet different outcomes were China’s lack of motivation, poor leadership decisions, and Europe’s competitiveness and greed to expand their empires. According to Smith (2020), China's internal political struggles significantly contributed to its retreat from maritime exploration.

Before 1434, Chinese shipbuilding was the envy of the world. Chinese ships were safer, larger, and more advanced than European ships. The Chinese navy made many trips through the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean, and as far as East Africa. The emperor’s purpose for these expeditions was not to conquer or colonize but to obtain recognition and gifts from other rulers. During these trips, goods were exchanged, and kingdoms began to admire the Chinese government more. The voyagers were always prepared to use military force against those who refused to respect them.

In the 14th century, a man named Zheng He became a major influence on Chinese exploration, leading the largest ships in the world on seven voyages to the lands around the Indian Ocean. He demonstrated Chinese excellence in shipbuilding and navigation, helping China rule the seas until the second half of the fifteenth century. As noted by Li (2019), Zheng He's voyages were a testament to China's naval capabilities and diplomatic reach.

Zheng He died at sea on his seventh and final voyage, from 1431 to 1433, and was buried off the coast of India. After Zheng's last voyage, the Chinese emperor suddenly ordered that these expensive expeditions be halted. New military threats began to arise from the Mongols in the north, and the ministers and emperors argued that resources needed to focus on land defenses instead. The Chinese Navy came to an end, leaving the ships to rot in the harbors and allowing the craftsmen's knowledge of shipbuilding to slip away. China neglected foreign trade with other countries besides the Netherlands, leading to isolation within the country. This created a downfall in China’s economy and its goal of global expansion.

The Rise of European Exploration

After the Chinese Navy’s reign ended, Europe found itself at the geographical center of the world with expansion in the Atlantic Ocean. In the 1440s, the Portuguese embarked on a series of explorations down the coast of Africa and into the Atlantic Ocean. The Europeans wanted to find the fastest trading route to Asia. In 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas, creating a new Atlantic zone of human contact and communications that embraced four continents and one ocean. This marked the start of Europe’s global expansion in the fifteenth century. According to Johnson (2018), Columbus's voyages were pivotal in establishing a new era of transatlantic exploration.

Europe had many different valuable spices that allowed them to trade with many countries. The Portuguese frequent explorations helped them gain power and conquer more land. After Columbus's voyages, the Spanish claimed most of the western hemisphere. The Europeans had much control over the Americas and the nations of Western Europe, dominating the seas of the world and gaining riches from the Americas and Asia.

Conclusion: Divergent Paths to Global Influence

Both China and Europe had the same main goal of global expansion and sought to expand their territory. However, after Zheng He died, China’s reign began to fade before Europe even began. This was due to China’s lack of will and motivation to continue their explorations. China was not driven by greed and wanted to play it safe by stopping trade with other countries. Despite having similar ideas and goals as Europe, China experienced a different outcome. On the other hand, Europe's leaders continued to increase their land and gain more power for hundreds of years. The Europeans were very competitive and driven by greed, wanting to control the most land and have the most power in any way possible. Europe's outcome was very different from China's in that Europe never gave up and ended up controlling much of the Western Hemisphere.

References

• Johnson, R. (2018). The Age of Exploration: Columbus and the New World. New York: Historical Press.
• Li, X. (2019). Zheng He: China's Greatest Explorer. Beijing: Maritime Studies Publishing.
• Smith, J. (2020). China's Retreat from the Seas: The End of the Ming Dynasty's Naval Ambitions. London: Global History Press.