The Ming Dynasty 12-4 Today we are learning how Ming rulers strengthened the government and backed trading voyages

Rise of the Ming dynasty 1368 – Zhu Yuanzhang becomes emperor, set up capital in Nanjing Ming – “Brilliant” dynasty Hong Wu – Zhu changed his name. Meant “Military Emperor” Brought back order Trusted no one – killed anyone suspected of treason (disloyalty to the gov.) Ruled – 30 yrs.

1398 – Yong Le –Hong Wu’s son became emperor Show of power – had to work hard to prove he was powerful Moved capital to Beijing Imperial City – large area of palaces and gov. buildings Forbidden City – home to China’s emperors Palace had thousands of rooms Virtual tour of the Forbidden City

Ming Reforms Restored Civil Service Exams and made even harder! Census – count of the # of people. Helped w/tax collection Hong Wu’s orders – canals & farms destroyed by Mongols rebuilt Agriculture- thrived due to new lands Industry – repaired and expansion to the Grand Canal allowed for goods to be shipped.

Chinese Culture Wanted to learn more, be entertained Entertainment – dramas – spoken words, songs and dances, costumes, and symbolic gestures. Novels – long fictional stories.

Zheng He Ming leaders -Curious about the outside world Reasons – trade, show off power, demand tribute from weak kingdoms. Zheng He – Chinese Muslim explorer, friend to Emperor Yong Le Exported: Silk, paper, porcelain Imported: Silver, spices, wood, & animals Great for China’s economy! Officials complained the trips cost too much, brought outside ideas, and made merchants rich. Confucius – place loyalty of society above tour own desires. Chinese merchants – disobeyed by being successful Voyages stopped after He’s death Ship building tech was lost within 50 years Zheng He

Europeans arrive in China 1514 – fleet from Portugal arrived, wanted to set up trade relations with the Chinese The Chinese thought they were barbarians Uncivilized people Port of Macao- opened by 1600- allowed Portuguese to set up a trading post here in s. China European influence – were restricted but did not stop Christian missionaries from traveling to China Jesuits – special group of Roman Catholic priest – highly educated Impressed the Chinese with scientific knowledge Brought clocks, eyeglasses, scientific instruments Did not convert too many to Christianity

What happened to the Ming Dynasty? Power – emperors gathered too much power Officials did not want to make improvements Greed- officials took over, placed heavy taxes on peasants – they revolted 1644 – Manchu from Manchuria defeated the Chinese army Captured Beijing – set up a new dynasty

In review: The Ming dynasty rebuilt and reformed China after the Mongols were driven out. They restored peace and prosperity to China During the Ming dynasty, China’s contacts with the outside world increased as Zheng He led fleets to faraway lands and European ships began arriving in China.