Chapter 8, Lesson 4The Ming Dynasty

It Matters Because:The Ming Dynasty’s early emperors

wanted to spread China’s influence. By the late 1500s, however, China had

limited its contact with the rest of the world.

I. The Rise of the Ming

A. In 1294, Kublai Khan died, Yuan Dynasty quickly lost people’s supportB. In 1368, military officer Zhu Yuanzhang became emperor

1. Founded the Ming (“brilliant”) Dynastya. Ming Dynasty lasted 300 years

2. Zhu took the name Hong Wu (“Military Emperor”)a. was a harsh leaderb. died, 1398

C. Hong Wu succeeded by son, Yong Le1. moved capital to Beijing2. built the Forbidden City, where only the emperor’s family & top officials could enter3. China’s emperors lived in Forbidden City for 500 years4. Forbidden City is open to tourists today

D. Ming emperors conducted a yearly census1. Census - count of number of people in a place2. Helped empire collect taxes

I. The Rise of the Ming

E. Strong Ming government provided peace & securityF. Like Pax Romana, peace in China led to economic &

artistic rebirth1. Roads, canals, farms rebuilt2. New crops & farming techniques led to population growth3. Newly wealthy merchants & artisans led revival of literature & theater

I. The Rise of the Ming

II. Chinese Exploration

A. Ming emperors built fleets of ships for trade & warB. Zheng He led large trade voyages

1. 28,000 men2. >300 ships3. Largest ship was 5 times as large as Santa Maria

C. Zheng He traveled to SE Asian islands, India, E. Africa

1. Returned with exotic animals from AfricaD. Later emperors ended voyages, fearing outside influence in China

III. European Arrival

A. In 1514, Portuguese ships made first contact with China since Marco Polo

1. Portuguese wanted to trade & convert Chinese to Christianity2. China was powerful & saw Europeans as uncivilized

IV. The Fall of the MingA. Ming Dynasty declined for reasons similar to Rome

1. Corrupt government officials2. Heavy taxes on citizens3. Decay of law & order

B. Northern barbarians known as Manchus invaded1. Captured Beijing, 16442. Ended Ming Dynasty, founded Qing Dynasty