The Ming Dynasty

The Ming emerged after the weakening of the Mongol rule (Yuan Dynasty)

The Ming (which means brilliant), sought to wipe out all Mongolian influence and restore Chinese rule

After several voyages (trips), the rulers of the Ming chose to close off contact to the rest of the world

After Kublai Khan's death in 1294, China suffered through floods, disease, and famine (lack of food)

These hard times led the Chinese people to rebel against the Mongols

In 1368, Chinese rule was restored under a new dynasty called the Ming.

Zhu Yuan Zhang became the first leader of the Ming Dynasty

In 1368, he declared himself emporer and changed his name to Hong Wu

He declared all Mongols as foreigners (not belonging to China) and reversed several Mongol trade policies

He revived civil service systems and brought back Confucian values

China returned to a strong, centralized rule

He became a cruel leader or despot - a tyrant or dictator

He started distrusting everyone, even his closest advisors

He created a secret police force to seek out his enemies

He had about 100,000 people arrested and executed for treason or disloyal actions against his empire.

After his death, his son, Yongle, became took power.

Yongle took on his father's role of absolute rule

He moved the capital north to Beijing (this was to protect the northern lands from an invasion from the Mongols)

He created a palace called the Forbidden City in the center of Beijing. No one was allowed to enter, but the royal family and top officials

This was created to show visitors that China was the center of the world

Yongle forced foreign countries to recognize China's power

Many countries sent tribute to China or a payment /gift

Ming China traded with other parts of Asia and eastern Africa

Trade brought peace to China and therefore the government could spend less money on armies

Between 1405 and 1433, Yongle sent a man named Zheng He to lead a series of sea voyages to demonstrate China's power

Zheng He traveled through Southeast Asia to the coast of India on his first trip.

He took 60 huge ships and 27,000 men

Later voyages went as far as the Persian Gulf and the east coast of Africa

Wherever Zheng He went, he collected tributes for China

When Yongle died, the voyages ended and China turned inward.

China banned overseas travel, the building of ships, and contact with most foreigners

A large reason for this action was cost, but scholar-officials also believed that China had everything it needed and did not need contact with the outside world

They saw foreigners as a threat to their culture

The strict rule of the Ming rulers led to corruption and rebellion

Protests from the people and outside invaders led to the fall of the dynasty in 1644