Question

Compared to European exploration in the Indian Ocean, that of the Chinese: a) used fewer and smaller ships. b) covered shorter distances. c) was designed to establish a military presence. d) gained strength after the mid - 1430s. e) was an effort to spread Confucianism.

Answer 1

Contrary to the given options, the Chinese expeditions in the Indian Ocean used larger ships, covered both shorter and longer distances than the Europeans, intended mainly for diplomatic and trade missions, declined after mid-1430s and were not aimed at spreading Confucianism.

Step-by-step explanation:

Comparatively, the Chinese exploration in the Indian Ocean was markedly different from the European's. Contrary to option a), the Chinese used more substantial and larger ships, most notably the treasure ships used in the voyages of Zheng He. Concerning option b), Chinese explorations, particularly during the Ming dynasty, covered extensive distances reaching as far as East Africa, covering both shorter and longer distances than some European explorations. It's also crucial to mention that, contrary to option c), these explorations were mainly diplomatic and trade missions, not intended to establish a military presence. Finally, regarding options d) and e), Chinese maritime exploration significantly dwindled after the mid-1430s due to changing policies and it wasn't an effort to spread Confucianism.

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