By Leigh Ann Logan and Corey Farrow MING DYNASTY

YEARS OF THE MING DYNASTY Ming Dynasty began in 1368 Ming Dynasty ended in 1644

GREAT LEADERS Ming Taizu / Emperor Hongwu was the founder of the Ming Dynasty. After 30 years, he left in 1398 Ming Shenzong had the longest reign of emperor in the Ming Dynasty. His reign lasted from 1573 to 1620, 47 years!!!!!!!!! Ming Weizong reign was the last of the Ming Dynasty. The Dynasty ended after he committed suicide in 1644.

DECLINE The turning point from prosperity to decline was the reign of Emperor Shenzong. In the early period, under the wise assistance of a skillful chancellor, Zhang Juzheng, Emperor Shenzong made much improvement in the national economy, agriculture, water conservancy and military affairs. However, after the death of Zhang Juzheng, the emperor began to neglect state affairs. In his late reign, the Ming army was defeated by the leader of the so-called 'Latter Jin' regime - Nurhachu in the Battle of Sarhu. Since then, the Ming court fell into a passive state in confrontation with the 'Latter Jin' set up by Nuzhen ethnic minority. The end of this dynasty started from the last emperor, Emperor Weizong's reign - the reign went by the name Chongzhen. The crisis was caused by the corruption of the court officials and the domination of the eunuchs. In that period, both the exploitation from the ruling class and natural disasters in successive years caused the Dingling, Beijing Ming Tombspeople to live in extreme hardship. In 1628, dozens of rebel military forces launched battles in the northern area of Shaaxi Province. Among them, one of the leaders of the rebel army was named Li Zicheng, and he was deeply trusted and supported by most peasants. In 1644, Li Zicheng captured Xian and founded a new regime called Dashun. In the same year, Emperor Weizong hanged himself in Jingshan Hill of Beijing, signifying the end of this dynasty

MONGOLS, FORBIDDEN CITY, ISOLATONISM