China

The Emperor’s Grand Plan Now that you read The Emperor’s Grand Plan, what predictions might you make for China’s future? What if I were to tell you that China was not able to maintain the opulence you read about? Why do you think that might be so?

The Ming Dynasty 1368 – 1644 5

The Rise of the Ming A series of rebellions finally drove out the Mongols and in 1368 a rebel leader named Zhu Yuanzhang became emperor. He united the country and set up his capital at Nanjing in southern China. There, he founded the Ming, or “Brilliant,” dynasty.

Ch 4 Sec 4 The Ming Dynasty

The Ming Zhu changed his name to Hong Wu, meaning “Military Emperor”. cruel leader who trusted no one killed officials he suspected of treason or disloyalty He ruled for 30 years In 1421 Yong Le (his son) then became emperor moved the capital north to Beijing and built the Imperial City. The center of the Imperial City was known as the Forbidden City because only top officials could enter.

Left: Hong Wu Right: Yong Le

Chinese Imperial Palace Ch 4 Sec 4 The Ming Dynasty

Forbidden City Ch 4 Sec 4 The Ming Dynasty

Ch 4 Sec 4 The Ming Dynasty

The Ming How Did the Ming change China? created a civil service and made tests to make sure government workers were qualified. compiled a census to help them collect taxes more accurately. In the early years of the Ming dynasty China’s economy began to grow. Built canals, farms and roads Planted new forests

The Ming repaired the Grand Canal imported new types of rice that grew faster. This helped to feed the growing number of people living in the cities. supported the silk industry encouraged farmers to start growing cotton and weaving cloth.

The Ming Chinese culture also advanced under the Ming. As merchants and artisans grew wealthier, they wanted to learn more and be entertained. Writers produced many novels They also enjoyed seeing dramas on stage.

China Explores the World Early Ming supported maritime exploration curious about the world outside of China wanted the rest of the world to know about China. From 1405 to 1431 a fleet was sent on seven oversea voyages: trade with other kingdoms show off China’s power demand tribute (taxes) from weaker kingdoms The leader of these journeys was a Chinese Muslim and court official named Zheng He. His first fleet had 62 large ships, 250 smaller ships, and almost 2,800 men. The largest ship was over 440 feet long making it more than five times as long as the Santa Maria that Christopher Columbus sailed

China Moves Towards Isolation Many Chinese officials complained that the trips cost too much. After Zheng He’s death in 1433, the officials persuaded the new emperor to stop the voyages. The boats were taken apart and no more were allowed to be built. China’s trade with other countries declined and within 50 years, the shipbuilding technology was forgotten.

China and the World The Europeans Arrive in China In 1514 a fleet from Portugal arrived in China the first time Europeans had ever sailed to China The Portuguese wanted to trade with them and to convert the Chinese to Christianity. The Chinese were not impressed and thought the Europeans were barbarians, or uncivilized people. By 1600, the Chinese allowed Portugal to set up a trading post at the port of Macao in southern China.

China and the World Ideas from Europe did reach China through the Christian missionaries To get China to accept European ideas, the Jesuits brought them clocks, eyeglasses, and scientific instruments. However, the missionaries were unable to convert many Chinese to Christianity.

The End of the Ming Dynasty After a long era of prosperity and growth, the Ming dynasty began to decline. Over time Ming rulers themselves became weak. Greedy officials placed heavy taxes on the peasants, who began to revolt. As law and order disappeared, a people called the Manchus from Manchuria attacked China’s northern border. They defeated Chinese armies and captured Beijing. In 1644 they set up a new dynasty…

The Qing (Manchu) Dynasty 1644 -1910 But that’s a story for another time… 23