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). Guiding China through its glory days was the Ming dynasty which lasted more than 250 years until its decline in 1644 (Dardess 1). Before the Ming Dynasty, China had become little more than a part of the Mongol Empire. Hongwu, formerly Zhu Yuanzhang, became the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty after the successful rebellion that pushed the Mongols out of China (Roberts 119). The Ming Dynasty became known for its effective and organized system of government which provided 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 the previous regiments and asserting his power by sending a series of seven biennial 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 Yongle's recognition 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 the paper…he was little more than a memory and a legend, offering little resistance to the new European explorers (Levathes 20). Works CitedDardess, 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 Encounter Between China and the West, 1500-1800. Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield Publsihers, Inc, 1999. Pagden, Anthony. Peoples and Empires. New York, New York: Modern Library Edition, 2001.Roberts, JAG A Concise History of China. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1999. Wade, Geoff. “The Travels of Zheg He: A Reevaluation.” Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (2005): 37-58.