Ming Dynasty

1
Ming Dynasty

• 1368-1644

2
The Demise of the Mongols 1360s

• Mongol (Yuan) rule created devastation of
  population, relentless taxation, neglect of water
  conservation for agriculture, famine and natural
  disasters causing peasant revolts that led to the
  demise of the Mongols

3
Zhu Yuanzhang (Chu Yuan-chang)1368-1398

• Orphaned peasant who led military forces against
  Yuan and captured Nanjing in 1356
• 1368 proclaims self Emperor and founds Ming
  Brilliant dynasty
• United China, attacked Karakorum, and advanced to
  Lake Baikal in Russia and proceeded toward
  central Asia
• Restored pride and prosperity to Chinese people

4
Emperor Yung-lo

• Powerful general and ruler, led expeditions into
  Mongolia to conquer and defeat what was left of
  Yuan
• Conquered/annexed Vietnam
• Sponsored naval expeditions of Cheng Ho Chinese
  navy most powerful in world
• Vassal states of Cambodia, Ryuku Islands, Siam

5
Naval Expeditions of Cheng Ho

• 1405-1433 Chinese dominance in Indian Ocean
• Not searching for trading partners, colonies or
  naval bases but to fly Chinese flag to display
  power and prestige
• Expeditions collected exotic products from Africa
• After death of Cheng Ho Chinese naval power waned

6
Emperor Yung - lo

• Great public works projects dredged Grand Canal
  to facilitate trade and improve drainage
• Eastern section of Great Wall rebuilt
• Rebuilt Beijing former stronghold of Yuan
  dynasty
• Succession incompetent but dynasty survived
  because of strong bureaucracy