With a total of 16 emperors, the Ming
Dynasty lasted 276 years, from 1368 to 1644.
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Cloisonne |
Zhu Yuanzhang, Ming Emperor
Taizu, carried out a comprehensive reform of previous political, military and
other systems. Zhu grasped the political, military and judicial powers that
pushed the feudal centralization to a high level, which was carried on by the
Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). In the early Ming, the nation's economy soon recovered
and progressed to its highest level. Zhu's achievements made him one of the most
outstanding statesmen in Chinese history, along with Emperor Wudi of the Han
Dynasty and Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty.
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Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty |
The
golden age of the Ming Dynasty thrived under Emperor Chengzu's reign, known as
the Yongle period (circa 1402). During this period, foreign relations were
further strengthened via Zheng He's voyage to Southeast Asia and the Indian
Ocean. The Ming regime also strengthened its relations with ethnic minority
groups, promoting the economic and cultural exchanges among different
nationalities. Its jurisdiction extended to the inside and outside of the
Hinggan Mountains, Tianshan Mountains and Tibet.
When Emperor Yingzong ascended to the throne
in 1436, the Ming Dynasty began its decline, mainly due to the monopoly of
eunuchs. Corruptive officials levied heavy taxes on peasants, triggering
countless uprisings. At the same time, the Ming Dynasty faced the danger of
attacks from external forces. During the reign of Emperor Jiajing (circa 1521),
Zhang Juzheng was appointed to carry out a comprehensive
reform in politics, the economy and military. For some time, things had changed
for the better but, before long, a eunuch named Wei Zhongxian seized and abused
his power, which accelerated the Ming's decline. At the same time, the
Nüzhen of the northeast became powerful and finally overthrew the
Ming Dynasty during a storm of peasant uprisings. Emperor Chongzhen hanged
himself at the foot of the Coal Hill behind the imperial
palace.