Dear Mr. The Ming Dynasty:
First, my apologies. I find it curious that, assuming you are a
Chinese emperor, you are so insistent upon using an article. If
anything, most Chinese who are not native speakers of English tend
to omit articles, flinging them on the ash heap of lingual
misunderstanding (as I am sure that English speakers similarly
butcher Chinese, or Japanese). But, because of your exalted
position, I will endeavor to not become too familiar and slip and
use your first name, "The."
Perhaps I was misunderstood: I meant, a movie treating the subject
that was less than two hours, in English, not subtitled. You know,
the way a serious researcher would go about things. (I seriously
doubt there's anything out there.)
Which would drag me to the OT subject of THE Ming Dynasty, and the
thing that has me curious as to its meaning and why in the world the
Mings were so short-sighted that they completely failed to
understand and utilize trade:
"Although merchants and trade in general were looked down upon,
China had established sea routes that were used for trade with Japan
and south Asia. Starting in 1405 A.D., Zheng He began a series of
seven naval expeditions that went as far as the east coast of
Africa. These trips followed established routes and were mainly
diplomatic. The last of these voyages was completed in 1433 A.D. At
this point, China was far ahead of the rest of the world in naval
capabilities. Their ships could carry as many as 500 men. However,
after the last voyage was completed none were ever again attempted.
In fact, records of the trips were destroyed and shipbuilding was
restricted to small-size vessels. As a result, China's coast was
frequently attacked by pirates." --
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/china/later_imperial_china/min
g.html
Now, paint me with purple dog excrement sideways, but doesn't that
seem to be a bit, well, insular? And, even more to the point,
foolish? Bah, peasants, always thinking of peasant things, and not
thinking of the big picture. I think they managed to screw things
up pretty royally, so to speak.
I'm going to extrapolate that the end of the Ming Dynasty's ability
to extend themselves through naval power probably coincided with a
rise in Japanese fortunes? Any evidence to this effect in Japanese
history, from 1433-1470 or so?
My apologies for dragging the discussion into the neighbor state and
outside the confines of the Samurai ("u", not "a"), but I suspect
this group will probably have some insight into this particular
event in history, even if colored by a heavy emphasis on the
Japanese history of the time.
Ah, but this isn't researching papers for the youth of America (or
anywhere else). As a side note, I recall a webpage with an idea oft-
duplicated which presented history
ALMOST as it was, but with a few
facts twisted around so that anyone who failed to read the
introduction at the top ended up with something that would probably
get them an "F" on their paper. It would have things like, "Abraham
Lincoln freed the slaves, then invented the microwavable burrito
with hot sauce, but not too hot because the newly freed slaves had
sensitive stomachs." And it serves the little bastards right, since
I had to go to a brick and mortar library to look things up, and so
should they if they want to get credit for doing some work. Er,
excuse me, was I musing out loud again?
I'm off to lunch, and to start Ch. 1 of Mr. Turnbull's "Samurai, a
Military History." Wish me luck.
-- In
samuraihistory@yahoogroups.com, Nate Ledbetter
wrote:
>
> --- Matt wrote:
>
> > Dear Ming (can I call you Ming?):
>
> No, no. THE Ming. As in the dynasty. They didn't
> appreciate being called donkeys. Highly unamused by
> it.
>
> > Yes, indeed, it was sardonic humor. If you can't
> > mock badly
> > compiled history, what can you mock?
>
> Not much, I suppose. Japanese popstars are always good
> for a laugh, though.
>
> "reading is so boring... is there a video I
> > can watch to get
> > all this information in a two hour or less setting?
> > Without
> > subtitles in English?"
> >
> > I'm kidding about that last.
>
> I can suggest a few things without subtitles in
> English. Though unless you speak Japanese, the
> subtitles in English would be beneficial :)