History of the Holidays: Labor Day | History

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when did the chinese map the world before chris

Chinese exploration and mapping of the world prior to Christopher Columbus has been a topic of considerable debate, particularly surrounding the voyages of Admiral Zheng He in the early 15th century. Notably, a map dated to **1418** has emerged as a focal point in this discussion. ## The 1418 Map - **Discovery**: The map was acquired by Liu Gang, a Chinese lawyer, in 2001 from a dealer in Shanghai. It is claimed to depict the world with remarkable accuracy for its time, including outlines of continents and oceanic features[1][3]. - **Significance**: Historian Gavin Menzies argues that this map supports his theory that Zheng He reached the Americas during his voyages, which occurred between **1405 and 1433**. Menzies posits that Zheng He could have made landfall in the Americas as early as **1421**, which would be decades before Columbus's arrival in 1492[1][4]. ## Historical Context - **Zheng He's Voyages**: Zheng He led seven major expeditions across the Indian Ocean, reaching as far as East Africa and possibly beyond. His voyages were part of the Ming dynasty's efforts to expand trade and diplomatic relations[3][4]. - **Cultural Impact**: The voyages and subsequent mapping efforts are significant not only for their potential geographical implications but also for how they challenge Eurocentric narratives of exploration and discovery[3][5]. ## Controversy Surrounding the Map - **Authenticity Issues**: While some scholars support the idea that the 1418 map could indicate advanced Chinese knowledge of global geography, others dismiss it as a forgery or an 18th-century copy of European maps. Critics argue that there is insufficient evidence to substantiate claims that Zheng He reached the Americas[2][4][5]. - **Academic Debate**: The map has sparked intense debate among historians, with some asserting that it undermines traditional views of European dominance in global exploration. However, many experts remain skeptical, citing a lack of contemporary records to support claims of trans-Pacific voyages by Chinese explorers[4][6]. In summary, while there is evidence suggesting that Chinese explorers may have had knowledge of world geography before Columbus, the authenticity and implications of maps like the one dated to 1418 continue to be contested within academic circles. Citations: [1]

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At 4:31 AM, an unauthorized photo taken of Stalin inside of the Kremlin shows the very moment he was informed that Germany had began their invasion of the Soviet Union. It was taken by Komsomolskaya Pravda, editor in chief. He was ordered to destroy it, but instead saved it. June 22, 1941.[720x1003]