Autarky and the Rise and Fall of Piracy in Ming China

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Hong Kong University of Science & Technology; Shandong University
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC HISTORY
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0022-0507
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022050714000345
• 发表日期: 2014
• 页码: 509-534
• 关键词: civil conflict; population; Europe

摘要

We examine the impact of rigorous trade suppression during 1550-1567 on the sharp rise of piracy in this period of Ming China. By analyzing a uniquely constructed historical data set, we find that the enforcement of a sea (trade) ban policy led to a rise in pirate attacks that was 1.3 times greater among the coastal prefectures more suitable for silk manufacturesour proxy for greater trade potential. Our study illuminates the conflicts in which China subsequently engaged with the Western powers, conflicts that eventually resulted in the forced abandonment of its long upheld autarkic principle.