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 Zhu Yuanzhang B. In 1368, military officer Zhu Yuanzhang became emperor MingDynasty 1.Founded the Ming (“brilliant”) Dynasty a. Ming Dynasty lasted 300 years Hong Wu 2. Zhu took the name Hong Wu (“Military Emperor”) a. was a harsh leader b. died, 1398

Yong Le 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 census D. Ming emperors conducted a yearly census 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 I. The Rise of the Ming

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 Zheng He 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 reasons A. Ming Dynasty declined for reasons similar to Rome Corrupt government officials 1. Corrupt government officials Heavy taxes on citizens 2. Heavy taxes on citizens Decay of law & order 3. Decay of law & order Manchus B. Northern barbarians known as Manchus invaded 1. Captured Beijing, 1644 Qing Dynasty 2. Ended Ming Dynasty, founded Qing Dynasty