Question

Why was global trade restricted in Ming China during the 15th to 18th centuries?

A. The popularity of neo-Confucianism influenced people to focus on spirituality rather than commerce.
B. After decades of foreign rule, China wanted to protect its traditional culture from foreign influence.
C. China was economically depressed and did not have an available surplus of goods to trade overseas.
D. Due to its mountainous terrain and lack of seaports, China was difficult for foreign traders to access.​

Answer 1

B. After decades of foreign rule, China wanted to protect its traditional culture from foreign influence.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the 15th to 18th centuries, the Ming dynasty in China restricted global trade in order to protect the country's traditional culture from foreign influence. The Chinese government believed that foreign trade and contact with foreigners would lead to the corruption of Chinese culture and society. They were also concerned that the foreigners were not following Chinese customs and were spreading Christianity which was seen as a threat to traditional Chinese culture and society. They also wanted to prevent the foreigners from getting access to Chinese resources and technology. Therefore, the Ming dynasty took a number of measures to limit foreign trade, such as banning private trade with foreigners and building walls around Chinese ports to keep foreigners out.