Final answer:
The Chinese inventions that notably helped sea shipping merchants were the sternpost rudder and the magnetic compass. These advancements allowed Europeans to venture into the open ocean with greater confidence and contributed to the navigational revolution of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Chinese inventions that significantly aided sea shipping merchants and the European exploration of the Atlantic Ocean in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries were the sternpost rudder and the magnetic compass. The sternpost rudder, invented in China in the thirteenth century, greatly improved steering capabilities against currents.
The magnetic compass, which was guiding ships in China by 1100 CE, enabled navigation without the need for coastlines. Europeans adopting these technologies allowed for the navigational revolution that enabled them to voyage into the open ocean confidently.
Significance of Chinese Maritime Innovations
The immense treasure ships of the Chinese fleet, like those commanded by Zheng He, and their technological advancements demonstrated China's superior naval capabilities. These innovations, such as watertight bulkheads, not only improved safety but also facilitated trade and military transport, showcasing the dynasty's economic and political power during the Ming era.
Despite this, China eventually turned away from these achievements in exploration and maritime technology. The armada fell into disrepair, and the navigational charts were destroyed. This withdrawal from maritime pursuits after Zheng He's expeditions left European nations to further advance their own interests in exploration and colonization.