Transcript The Ming Dynasty - SWR Global History

The Ming Dynasty
Beginning of the Ming
-A Chinese army officer leads a rebellion against the
crumbling Yuan rule and becomes the new emperor of
China. A peasant by origin, he took the name Hong Wu and
called his new dynasty “Ming” or, “Brilliant”.
Ming Rule
-Hong Wu and his successors looked back to the Chinese dynasties (not
the Yuan) for inspiration.
- Reorganized the tax code, taxing people that had never been taxed
before, like scholars.
-All Mongols were expelled from Chinese government. The Exam
system is restored and made even harder.
-Trade and new technology helped to make farming more efficient and
make the Ming a true Golden Age of China.
The Voyages of Zheng He
-Using the best ships in the world
(Chinese ships), the emperors of Ming
sent out seven sea voyages.
- The leader of the Voyages was a Chinese
Muslim and eunuch named Zheng He.
- Zheng He traveled all over Southeast
Asia, India and even Africa.
- His travels resulted in trade and tribute
for China. As well, he returned with
stories, animals and all sorts of fantastic
things from the rest of the world.
Beijing and the Forbidden City
-The Ming Emperors moved their capital to the city of Beijing.
-There, the Emperors and their families will live until the end of
Imperial Chinese History.
The Qing (Manchu) Dynasty 1644 -1912
Fall of the Ming
As the Ming grew corrupt and weak, the people of the
northeastern region of Manchuria invaded China.
The Manchus had already accepted Confucianism and used
it to help them control China.
Manchus in China
Chinese outnumbered Manchus 30 to 1.
To keep their rule, they quickly adopted Chinese customs.
Most soldiers and all officers were Manchus.
The top government jobs are reserved for Manchus only.
In 1645, all Chinese men were required to shave their heads
bald except for a single queue (braid) at the back of their
heads. This was a symbol of submission.
The order read, “Either lose your hair and keep your head or
keep your hair and lose your head.”
Emperor Kangxi
Ruled from 1611-1722.
Reduced taxes and undertook public works projects.
Sponsored Chinese art.
Considered by some to be the most able Emperor in Chinese
history
The rest of Qing history will be covered Next Year.