Ming Dynasty Overview

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Questions and Answers

What were the main reasons for the decline of the Yuan dynasty?

Weak emperors and officials stealing from the treasury contributed to the decline of the Yuan dynasty.

What name did Zhu Yuanzhang adopt when he founded the Ming dynasty?

He took the name Hong Wu.

What architectural project did Yong Le undertake in Beijing?

Yong Le built the Imperial City, with the Forbidden City at its center.

How did the Ming dynasty impact agriculture during its reign?

<p>Agriculture thrived due to improvements like rebuilt canals, new roads, and the planting of forests.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Zheng He's role in the Ming dynasty's exploration efforts?

<p>Zheng He led seven voyages to trade with other kingdoms and establish Chinese presence abroad.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the reasons for the discontinuation of Zheng He's voyages?

<p>Chinese officials deemed the voyages too costly and feared they would bring unwanted foreign ideas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Portuguese attempt to engage with China during Ming rule?

<p>The Portuguese wanted to convert the Chinese to Christianity and engage in trade, eventually establishing a trading post in Macao.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Jesuits, and what role did they play in Ming China?

<p>Jesuits were Roman Catholic priests whose knowledge of science impressed Chinese officials.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenges arose for the Ming dynasty due to dishonest officials?

<p>Dishonest officials imposed heavy taxes on farmers, leading to dissatisfaction and instability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What led to the rise of the Qing dynasty after the Ming?

<p>The Manchus, having retreated to Manchuria, invaded and defeated the Chinese as the Ming dynasty weakened.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Yuan Dynasty Weakness

The Yuan dynasty weakened after Kublai Khan's death due to weak emperors and officials stealing from the treasury.

Ming Dynasty Founder

Zhu Yuanzhang, a military officer, ended Mongol rule in China, reuniting the country under the Ming dynasty, with its capital in Nanjing.

Hong Wu's Rule

The Ming dynasty emperor Hong Wu enforced peace and order but was known for his harsh leadership, distrusting many officials and punishing those suspected of treason.

Ming Capital & Forbidden City

The Ming dynasty capital was moved to Beijing by Emperor Yong Le, who constructed the imperial city, a center of government buildings. The Forbidden City, located within the imperial city, served as the emperor's residence and was accessible only to top officials.

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Civil Service Exams Restored

The Ming emperors reinstated the Civil Service Exams, a system of testing for government positions based on merit.

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Ming Economic Growth

The strong Ming government fostered a period of peace and security, leading to economic growth. Agriculture thrived, canals and farms were rebuilt, and new roads and forests were planted.

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Grand Canal Expansion

The Ming dynasty repaired and expanded the Grand Canal, facilitating the transport of rice and other goods between North and South China, boosting trade.

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Ming Silk Industry

The Ming dynasty supported the silk industry, with farmers cultivating cotton and producing cloth.

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Ming Exploration Voyages

Ming explorers, under the leadership of Zheng He, embarked on seven voyages to promote trade and establish tribute relationships with other kingdoms. These voyages showcased Chinese naval power and established contact with Southeast Asia, India, and East Africa.

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Ming Isolation

While the early Ming dynasty embraced maritime exploration, fear of foreign influence led to its cessation, marking a period of isolation. Despite this, limited contact with European powers, like the Portuguese, began, marking the first direct interaction since Marco Polo.

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Study Notes

Ming Dynasty

  • Yuan Dynasty weakened after Kublai Khan's death, due to weak emperors and official corruption.
  • Zhu Yuanzhang, a military officer, ended Mongol rule, uniting China under the Ming dynasty, with its capital in Nanjing. He took the name Hong Wu.
  • Hong Wu brought peace and order, but was a harsh leader, distrusting officials and punishing suspected treason.
  • Yong Le, Hong Wu's son, moved the capital to Beijing and constructed the imperial city, including the Forbidden City. Only high officials had access to the Forbidden City.
  • Ming emperors reinstated the Civil Service Exams.
  • Strong Ming governance fostered economic growth, with thriving agriculture, canal and farm rebuilding, road paving, and forest planting.
  • The Grand Canal was repaired and expanded, facilitating trade between north and south China for merchants.
  • Ming rulers supported the silk industry, promoting cotton farming and cloth weaving.
  • Ming China saw the rise of novels, including Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which portrayed Han period military rivalries. Literature moved away from formal language towards greater accessibility.
  • Traditional Chinese dramas, banned under Mongol rule, were revived.

Chinese Exploration

  • Ming emperors commissioned a large fleet of junks to sail to other countries.
  • Seven voyages were undertaken by Zheng He, a Chinese Muslim, to trade with foreign kingdoms, demanding tribute from weaker ones.
  • Zheng He's voyages reached Southeast Asia, India, and East Africa.
  • Zheng He brought back animals, visitors and representatives from South Asia.
  • Chinese officials, concerned about costs and foreign influence, convinced the emperor to end the voyages after Zheng He's death. This led to approximately 50 years of isolation.
  • Portuguese ships arrived in southern China, marking the first direct contact with Europe since Marco Polo.
  • The Portuguese sought trading opportunities and Christian conversions, but were initially refused. They eventually established a trading post in Macao.
  • China's military strength prevented European conquest.
  • Despite limited contact, European ideas, particularly from Jesuits, reached China, impressing officials with scientific knowledge, but failing to convert many Chinese.
  • Officials' corruption and heavy taxation burdened farmers, laying the groundwork for future conflict.
  • The Manchus, a northern people, conquered China, leading to the establishment of the Qing Dynasty.

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