Overview
This lecture covers the rise, peak, and decline of the Ming dynasty in China, highlighting its political power, challenges, achievements, and eventual replacement by the Qing dynasty.
Early Ming Dynasty and Origins
- The Ming dynasty began in 1368, founded by Zhu Yuanzhang, a former monk and peasant leader.
- Ming rule followed the decline of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty, characterized by famine, plague, and rebellion.
- Zhu Yuanzhang, as the Hongwu Emperor, unified most of China and focused on removing Mongol threats and restoring Chinese governance.
Government and Society
- The Ming government used a centralized bureaucracy, civil service exams, and a professional military.
- The capital moved from Nanjing to Beijing under the Yongle Emperor, who built the Forbidden City.
- Population estimates suggest 90–100 million people, mostly subsistence farmers.
Yongle Emperor's Achievements
- Yongle Emperor (Yongle meaning "Perpetual Happiness") solidified Ming rule through reforms, military modernization, and nobility restructuring.
- Oversaw the construction of the Forbidden City and the restoration of the Grand Canal, facilitating trade and grain transport.
Zheng He's Voyages and Foreign Relations
- Admiral Zheng He led seven treasure voyages (1405–1433) to Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and Africa to project Ming power and build diplomatic ties.
- The Ming managed a tributary system, with regions like Vietnam and Tibet paying tribute intermittently.
- European contact increased in the 16th century, with Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and Jesuit missionaries visiting and trading from Macau.
Culture, Art, and Achievements
- Ming rule patronized arts, especially calligraphy and porcelain.
- Compiled major works like the Yongle Encyclopedia and Li Shizhen’s Bencao Gangmu (medical text).
- Blue-and-white porcelain became highly sought after in Europe.
Internal and External Challenges
- Faced threats from Mongols, Turks, pirates, and later Japanese attacks on the Korean peninsula.
- The Tumu Crisis (1449) resulted in the capture of the emperor by Mongols and internal Ming turmoil.
- The 1556 Shaanxi earthquake caused massive devastation and famine.
- Wall-building projects expanded the Great Wall to defend against northern invasions.
Ming Decline and the Rise of Qing
- Wanli Emperor’s (1572–1620) weak rule and poor advisors contributed to instability and rebellion.
- The Manchu (Jurchen) people, led by Nurhaci and later Hong Taiji, unified Manchuria and challenged Ming power.
- In 1644, Beijing fell to rebel leaders allied with the Manchus. The Chongzhen Emperor died, marking the end of Ming rule.
- The Qing dynasty replaced the Ming, expanding and ruling China until 1911.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Ming Dynasty — Chinese imperial dynasty (1368–1644) noted for strong centralized rule and cultural achievements.
- Yuan Dynasty — Mongol-led dynasty preceding the Ming.
- Hongwu Emperor — Founder of the Ming dynasty.
- Yongle Emperor — Third Ming emperor, major builder, and patron of exploration.
- Forbidden City — Imperial palace complex in Beijing built during the Ming.
- Zheng He — Admiral leading Ming treasure voyages.
- Grand Canal — Major waterway improved during the Ming.
- Jurchen/Manchu — Ethnic group from Manchuria that founded the Qing dynasty.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the main reasons for Ming’s rise and fall.
- Study the impact of Zheng He's voyages and Ming foreign policy.
- Examine the structure of Ming government and the causes of its decline for upcoming exams.