Ming Dynasty

• After Kublai death, the Mongol’s rule began to weaken

• 1368 Zhu Yuanzhang led a rebel army to overthrow the Mongol’s

• Became first emperor of the Ming Dynasty and took the name Hongwu

• Rebuilt trade roads, canals, & irrigation systems

• Extended the Great Wall • Gave land to farmers & reduced

taxes

Ming Dynasty

• Increase power, took control of all government offices

• Hongwu made all decisions• He set up his own secret service

to spy on his own people• Hongwu dies 1398 and his

grandson takes over• Power struggle for power occurs

with the family

Yongle Rule• Yongle declares himself emperor

in 1403• Enlarged the capital city of Beijing• Built the Forbidden City• Complex of palaces & temples

surrounded by a 35’ high wall• Foreigners were not allowed to

enter the area

Questions

• How was the Ming Dynasty established?• A rebel Chinese army (led by Zhu Yuanzhang) overthrew

the Mongols.

• What improvements did the Ming emperors make in China?

• Rebuilt roads, canals and irrigation systems• Extended the Great Wall, lowered taxes, gave

land to farmers and enlarged Beijing