The rise of Western power is a relatively recent development in the modern era. Previously, the world could be seen as polycentric with overlapping spheres of influence (Mark 34). However, by the 15th century, China held considerable economic and military power, leading the world in size, population, agriculture, and trade (Mungello 1). China also excelled in technology, military strength, learning, and the fine arts (Mungello 2). The Ming dynasty ruled China through its glory days, which lasted for over 250 years until its decline in 1644 (Dardess 1). Before the Ming Dynasty, China had become only part of the Mongol Empire. Hongwu, formerly Zhu Yuanzhang, became the first emperor of the Ming dynasty after the successful rebellion that drove the Mongols from China (Roberts 119). The Ming dynasty became known for its efficient and organized system of government that laid the foundation for the prosperity that would characterize the Ming dynasty for the next two centuries (Mungello 2). The Prince of Yan, later known as Yongle, became emperor after a rebellion and usurped his nephew, Jianwen, in 1403 (Roberts 120). Yongle quickly consolidated his position by restoring previous regiments and asserting his power by sending a series of seven two-year regiments. maritime expeditions between 1405 and 1433 (Roberts 126). Many have speculated that Yongle's great expeditions were actually the search for Jianwen, who was rumored to still be alive. However, it is most likely that the ships were sent to gain recognition of Yongle as ruler (Roberts 126). The great commander of these expeditions was Zheng He, who led the expeditions from China to the African coast (Roberts 126). Zheng He was a Chinese...... middle of paper ......e was little more than a memory and a legend, offering little resistance to new European explorers (Levathes 20). Works Cited Dardess, John W. Ming China, 1368-1644. Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield, Inc, 2012. Levathes, Louise E. When China Ruled the Seas. New York, New York: Simon & Schuster, 1994. Marks, Robert B. The Origins of the Modern World. Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc, 2007.Mungello, DE The Great Meeting of China and the West, 1500-1800. Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc, 1999. Pagden, Anthony. Peoples and Empires. New York, New York: Modern Library Edition, 2001. Roberts, JAG A Concise History of China. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1999. Wade, Geoff. “The Zheg He Travels: A Reassessment.” Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (2005): 37-58.