Asked by christian
Why did the diffusion of ideas and knowledge decrease during the Ming Dynasty?
The emperors used up finances by sponsoring several expeditions to foreign lands.
The emperors promoted the study of politics and government over science and technology.
The emperors instituted a policy of isolationism, which limited trade and outside influence.
The emperors reintroduced Confucian ideals which placed focused on family rather than education.
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Best answer: The emperors instituted a policy of isolationism, which limited trade and outside influence.
Explanation: After the early 15th century (Zheng He’s voyages), the Ming government increasingly restricted maritime trade (haijin), scaled back official support for foreign contact and exploration, and tightened controls on what entered the country. Those policies sharply reduced the flow of people, books, technologies and ideas from abroad and therefore curtailed intellectual exchange.
Notes on the other choices:
- Expeditions used some funds, but Zheng He’s voyages were early and were not the main cause of a long-term decline in idea diffusion; the decline followed the halting of those voyages and trade restrictions.
- The civil service system did prioritize Confucian political learning over applied science, which limited scientific development to some extent, but this is a secondary factor rather than the primary reason for reduced cross-cultural diffusion.
- Confucianism emphasizes education (especially moral and bureaucratic learning) as much as family duties, so the statement that it “placed focus on family rather than education” is inaccurate.
Explanation: After the early 15th century (Zheng He’s voyages), the Ming government increasingly restricted maritime trade (haijin), scaled back official support for foreign contact and exploration, and tightened controls on what entered the country. Those policies sharply reduced the flow of people, books, technologies and ideas from abroad and therefore curtailed intellectual exchange.
Notes on the other choices:
- Expeditions used some funds, but Zheng He’s voyages were early and were not the main cause of a long-term decline in idea diffusion; the decline followed the halting of those voyages and trade restrictions.
- The civil service system did prioritize Confucian political learning over applied science, which limited scientific development to some extent, but this is a secondary factor rather than the primary reason for reduced cross-cultural diffusion.
- Confucianism emphasizes education (especially moral and bureaucratic learning) as much as family duties, so the statement that it “placed focus on family rather than education” is inaccurate.
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