For many years controversy has surrounded what the term “modern” truly means. There are many definitions and ideas surrounding the term “modern”. The definition given in China and Europe 1500-2000: Redefining the Modern World is, “including a political system with democratic representation, an economy that has an industrial sector, and a social system with urban workers, professionals, and businessmen.” When people think about the modern world they intuitively think of Europe in 1500-1800c. This thought it likely based on what many have been told based on their education. Is Europe really the appropriate country to consider the modern world? We really should be thinking about what countries may have matched the definition of modern before Europe …show more content…
The Human Record states, “One misconception is that during the early modern period “expansion and discovery” were unique European accomplishments. In truth, states in other regions were exploring and expanding, sometimes in what for them was “unknown territory”(6). An example of this expansion is China during the 15th century. China’s emperors started multiple expeditions to establish a presence in the Indian Ocean basin (6). China also had a political system, an economy, and social system that had the exact characteristics of a modern society. For example, The Chinese had dynasties that ruled over their people. The dynasties were well established with sufficient resources and land. The Ming dynasty was the ruler during this time period. They had many significant achievements that helped China prosper. One of these accomplishments was the construction of the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall of China was not only important to their military, it also unified China during the time of invasion. China also did very well economically as described here, “China was the most important market for Southeast Asian merchants, and many Southeast Asian rulers paid tribute to the Chinese emperor as a token of their loyalty and subservience” (99). They were so successful as merchants, that other countries were paying tribute to them. The countries felt they deserved praise and thanks. China also had social classes established during this time. The highest social class was the scholars and officials while lower on the hierarchy were the merchants. All social classes all had their specific jobs that helped the country prosper. China fit the characteristics of a modern world perfectly. These attributes show the dominance China had in the world at this time before the Eurocentric fallacy of "modernity" ever came