Final answer:
The voyages of Zheng He were primarily undertaken to demonstrate the grandeur and power of the Ming Dynasty, establish trade relationships, and expand the Chinese tribute system. These expeditions were not driven by motivations similar to those of European explorers such as religious conversion or scientific discovery. They ended possibly due to a rise in isolationist sentiments and a desire to reduce spending within the Chinese court.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main reason for the voyages of Zheng He in the fifteenth century was to demonstrate the power of the Ming Dynasty and to ensure and stimulate the tribute system that established China as the center of the civilized world. The immense treasure ships led by Zheng He served as a symbol of Chinese superiority and were utilized to receive tributes and establish trade relationships with various states. Zheng He's voyages included several goals such as exploring and mapping the region, establishing trade with port cities, and incorporating new areas into the Chinese tribute system.
Zheng He did not aim to pursue religious conversion, scientific exploration in the modern sense, or military conquest as primary objectives, nor was he attempting to discover a new trade route to India. Instead, the expeditions were part of the Ming Dynasty's efforts to expand China's influence and wealth through the existing maritime trade networks of the Indian Ocean.
One possible reason for the end of these voyages, under the reign of Zhu Zanji, was
- a spirit of isolationism in the Chinese court,
- the desire to save money and avoid the expense of the voyages,
and not because of competition with other European powers like the French, who had not yet entered into the Indian Ocean trade.