The Ming Dynasty

(1368 AD- 1644 AD)

Natural disasters, rebellions and civil war led to the fall of Yuan Dynasty.

Hongwu: (1368 AD- 1398AD)

Poor peasant who led a rebellion against the Mongols

Established himself as emperor- Ming Hung Wu Ming=brilliant

Yongle:

Moved imperial capital to Beijing

Ordered construction of the Forbidden City Home to China’s

emperors Commissioned 7

voyages of exploration to assert dominance of Ming Chinese power

Forbidden City

Zheng He:

Chinese Muslim Admiral who led all sea voyages under Yonglo

Sailed on voyages from southeast Asia and eastern Africa

Distributed gifts of silver and silk to show Chinese superiority 16 countries

sent tribute back to Ming Court

For reasons unknown, the Ming Dynasty turned to isolationism.

Citizens were forbidden from traveling outside of the country and foreigners were prohibited.

The Qing Dynasty (1644- 1911 AD)

Coming from Manchuria, the Manchu armies moved south and conquered China in 1644

Dynasty Qing= pure

Kangxi (1654- 1722 Ad)

First emperor of the Qing Ruled for over 60 years

Offered intellectuals positions in government

Learned about technological developments in Europe through Jesuits at court

Qian-Long (1736- 1795 AD)

Brought Qing to the height of power and prosperity Expanded

China’s borders to include Taiwan, parts of central Asia, Mongolia and Tibet

Maintained isolationist policy of

the Ming until pressure from western nations

came in the 1800s