Ming China

The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

Arose out of the dissatisfaction of the Chinese people with Mongol rule

* * * *

Many new Buddhist & Taoist temples, whose workers & lands were exempt Set aside people and lands to support the military

1/6 of all land for these two establishments

A million Mongols to be supported, besides to the aristocracy and the capital city A flood of foreign merchants with special privileges and immunities

* *

peasant rebellions led by workers

Huge taxes, forced labor, 7.5M people in starvation mode

Consolidated by an ex-monk, bandit chief, Chu Yuan-chang

General Hong Wu

* * *

Started in the Yangtze valley united the heart of S. China new capital at Nanjing (south capital)

claimed the Mandate of Heaven,

named his court the Ming = choice, bright

* * * *

Consolidation: (by his son) in the south Then, the rest of China and Manchuria Last Yunnan, which was colonized Forces of 250K

The Rebuilding of Empire

* * * *

renewed education for administration severe authority by Hong Wu, including an extensive secret police renewal of the gentry and mandarin classes the celestial kingdom Forbidden City

Built by Emperor Yung Lo (early 15th C) The Forbidden City

* *

Yung Los new capital Pei-Ching

* * * * * *

Beijing = N. Capital

rebuilt the economy (after depletion) Rebuilt the infrastructure reforestation; fish-farming new American staples: peanuts, sweet potatoes and corn population reached 125 million Cotton: as a crop and as an industry

Contact with others:

* * * * *

The expeditions of Cheng Ho (1405-33) to SE Asia, India, E. Africa the arrival of the Europeans: the Portuguese and the Jesuits Macao and Canton: limited acces

Revered artistry:

Novels

* *

Journey to the West (The Monkey King) Tales of the Water Margin

The Plum in the Golden Vase

* *

Elaborate lacquer products Ming porcelain

The later Ming: nondescript emperors

Wan Li (1573-1620) enormous corruption

* *

One eunuch had gathered 300M oz. of silver for himself Again, the sign of the end in sight