The Ming Dynasty and its influence on the modern world. Any Chinese historians that can help me?

I am working on a paper involving the Ming Dynasty and it's influence on shaping the modern world we live in today.

What I'm starting with is what occurred immediately after the conquest of China from the Mongol-Yuan Empire: The dissolution of paper currency and the Ming adoption of silver. This occurrence, I've learned, sparked European trade into China, especially Portuguese and Dutch. This would eventually lead to the clash of religion, the problem of dealing with foreigners, and overall diversity that would increase during the Ming Dynasty. The occupation of Macao, Malacca, and Taiwan would also be a problem.

These events are relevant to my thesis because it seems to really spur the growth of the West and eventually the West would become today's power, instead of the Far East, who seemed to have the upper hand until the British Industrial Revolution. This industrial revolution wouldn't have been important/successful if it wasn't for trade in the Far East, but that has more to do with the Qing Dynasty.

My plea for help is, what else am I missing that is important when forming my paper? What is important to elaborate on during the Ming Dynasty besides the clash of cultures and the adoption of silver that created an opportunity for the West to grow heavily?