The Ming Dynasty Overview

The Ming Dynasty

• The Yuan dynasty weakened after Kublai Khan's death, leading to weak emperors and official corruption.
• Zhu Yuanzhang, a military officer, ended Mongol rule, reunited China, established the capital in Nanjing, and founded the Ming dynasty.
• Hong Wu, the first Ming emperor, established peace and order, but ruled with harshness and distrust. He punished officials for suspected treason.
• Yong Le, Hong Wu's son, moved the capital to Beijing and built the imperial city (Forbidden City).
• The Ming emperors brought back the civil service exams.
• Peace and security fostered economic growth, with improved agriculture, canal repairs, road building, and reforestation.
• The Grand Canal was expanded to facilitate trade between North and South China.
• Increased agricultural production and the Silk Road, along with government support, led to growth of cotton farming and weaving.
• Chinese writers wrote influential novels, such as the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, that featured military conflicts.
• Traditional dramas were banned under the Mongols but revived during the Ming.

Chinese Exploration

• Ming emperors commissioned a large fleet of ships (junks) for voyages to other kingdoms.
• Zheng He, a Chinese Muslim, led seven voyages to various regions, primarily Southeast Asia but also reaching Western India and the city-states of East Africa.
• The voyages sought trade and tribute from weaker kingdoms, demonstrating Chinese power and influence.
• However, Chinese officials deemed the voyages costly, leading to their cessation after Zheng He's death.