Chapter 8, Lesson 4
The 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 support
B. In 1368, military officer Zhu Yuanzhang became emperor
1. Founded the Ming (“brilliant”) Dynasty
a. Ming Dynasty lasted 300 years
2. Zhu took the name Hong Wu (“Military Emperor”)
a. was a harsh leader
b. died, 1398
I. The Rise of the Ming
C. Hong Wu succeeded by son, Yong Le
1. moved capital to Beijing
2. built the Forbidden City, where only the emperor’s family &
top officials could enter
3. China’s emperors lived in Forbidden City for 500 years
4. Forbidden City is open to tourists today
D. Ming emperors conducted a yearly census
1. Census - count of number of people in a place
2. Helped empire collect taxes
I. The Rise of the Ming
E. Strong Ming government provided peace & security
F. Like Pax Romana, peace in China led to economic &
artistic rebirth
1. Roads, canals, farms rebuilt
2. New crops & farming techniques led to population growth
3. Newly wealthy merchants & artisans led revival of literature
& theater
II. The Great Wall
A. The Ming did not begin the Great Wall of China
1. Repaired existing parts
2. Expanded, improved
B. Reinforced Wall
1. Added fortresses and beacons to light the Wall
2. Used smoke signals and cannon fire to communicate
III. Chinese Exploration
A. Ming emperors built fleets of ships for trade & war
B. Zheng He led large trade voyages
1. 28,000 men
2. >300 ships
3. 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 Africa
D. Later emperors ended voyages, fearing outside influence
in China
IV. European Arrival
A. In 1514, Portuguese ships made first contact with China
since Marco Polo
1. Portuguese wanted to trade & convert Chinese to Christianity
2. China was powerful & saw Europeans as uncivilized
V. The Fall of the Ming
A. Ming Dynasty declined for reasons similar to Rome
1. Corrupt government officials
2. Heavy taxes on citizens
3. Decay of law & order
B. Northern barbarians known as Manchus invaded
1. Captured Beijing, 1644
2. Ended Ming Dynasty, founded Qing Dynasty