China's 1421 Fleet: Discovering America Earlier

In 1421, a remarkable fleet embarked on a historic journey from China with the mission to explore far-reaching lands and collect tribute. By the time the fleet returned home in 1423, China was in turmoil due to political changes. The once-glorious ships were abandoned, and records of their expeditions were lost. Subsequently, during a period of isolation, it was forgotten that Chinese vessels had already reached America 70 years before Columbus and circumnavigated the globe a century before Magellan. In fact, Chinese settlers had established colonies in America before Europeans, introducing vital crops that have sustained the world ever since.