1. Chapter 3
Section 2
China
How were Emperors Hong Wu and Yong Le able to strengthen and expand the their empire?
What mistakes did these emperors make which led to the end of their dynasty?
Does the Ming dynasty have anything in common with the Gunpowder Empires? Give specific examples

2. Ming Dynasty
Chinese commoner, led huge peasant army proclaimed himself emperor Hong Wu
Reorganized legal system with harsh punishments
Reorganized the tax system
Civil Service Exam making official posts open to all literate Chinese
Confucian philosophy
Centralized government. Eliminated many positions and killed enemies
Improved economy thru irrigation systems and offered free land and tools to farmers

3. Emperor Yong Le
Sent explorer Zheng He to explore the world and dominate trade
Stopped expeditions because they were too expensive. Limited trade to SE Asia
Focused on agriculture
Rebuilt capital city of Beijing and spent money on palaces and gardens.
Isolated from the people
Raised taxes to pay for buildings, parties, art