1. Do Now: Define “Dynasty.” Where have you seen this term?
Aim: How did the Ming Dynasty re-establish and maintain Chinese rule from the 14th century onward?
Do Now: Define “Dynasty.” Where have you seen this term?

2. What is a Dynasty?
A series of rulers within the same family lineage. Similar to a ‘house’ or ‘clan’ in Europe.
Dynasties exhibit totalitarian rule, meaning they wield absolute control. In China, this was the Emperor.
The dynastic system in China first began in ancient times during the 21st century BCE.
The transfer of power from one dynasty to another is explained by the Mandate of Heaven
In China, the Emperor was seen as the “Son of Heaven.” If their actions, or the actions of their heirs, were not virtuous, it was believed they would lose the Mandate of Heaven.

3. The Yuan Dynasty ( )
The Yuan Dynasty was claimed by Kublai Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan in 1271.
This was a dynasty run by the Mongols.
The Mongols already controlled most of present-day northern China, but this title legitimized their reign.
Despite its strong military, the government was challenged by corrupt officials, low tax revenues, and Chinese anger at Mongol control.
A series of natural disasters and famines were considered a sign that they had lost the Mandate of Heaven.

4. Rise of the Ming Dynasty
Zhu Yuanzhang was born into poverty and orphaned, becoming a Buddhist monk in his formative years
He later joined the White Lotus Society, a secret religious group who protested Mongol rule, and became a soldier of resistance.
After the Red Turban Rebellion, which began in in 1351, Yuanzhang would take over much of southern China that had been held by the Yuan.
With the Mongols being pushed north (close to the borders of present-day Mongolia), the Ming Dynasty, which means “brilliant,” was born.

5. The Hongwu Emperor
Choosing his era name as a reference to the dynasty’s military strength, the Hongwu emperor returned power to the Chinese.
He was considered a despot who killed over 40,000 of his own people.
Often created and used eunuchs as advisors, as he was suspicious of betrayal.
Eliminated the position of prime minister after a plot against him was revealed
However, he created reforms in education, law, and the military.
Military campaign in Yunnan expanded empire.

6. The Yongle Emperor
After the death of the Hongwu emperor, Prince Zhu Di defeated his uncle for the throne.
“Yongle” means “perpetual happiness”
Brutal like his father, he killed many scholars and bureaucrats who questioned his legitimacy.
Fought many battles against Mongols and attempted to take over Vietnam.
Despite his militarism, the Yongle Emperor was also diplomatic, extending the economic reach of his empire beyond the empire’s borders.
Zheng He and the Treasure Fleet

9. Human Geography
When the Yongle Emperor came to power, the capital city was moved north from Nanjing (“south capital”) to Beijing (“north capital”).
Here, the Forbidden City was constructed between 1406 and 1420
This walled complex not only protected the Emperor, but gave him an almost holy appearance.
Also built the Grand Canal, the longest artificial waterway in the world.
At 1,104 miles long, it flows from Beijing to Hangzhou, where it empties into the Pacific.

12. The Great Wall of China
Original portions constructed by the Western Zhou Dynasty date back to the 11th Century BCE.
During the Ming Dynasty, many of the portions we recognize today were restored.
Not just a wall, but a defense project composed of passes, watchtowers, garrisons, beacon towers and blockhouses. 
Over 1 million Ming soldiers were stationed at various portions of the Great Wall during the 15th Century.

14. We’re gonna build a wall
In groups of 5, we will research the additional achievements of the Ming Dynasty and write them down on our ‘bricks’
Using chart paper, assemble them in terms of importance to the dynasty’s stability.
More important achievements will be at the base of the wall, creating a foundation. Less important will be higher up.
After your group’s wall is completed, discuss which achievement is the most important to the long- term success of the dynasty.
Then, compare and discuss the achievements and order you chose with the choices of your neighboring group.

15. Aim: What were the “Three Teachings” of China, and how did they affect Ming society and government?
Do Now: KWL Chart

16. Buddhism Founded in India by Siddhartha Gautama in the 6th century BCE
Strong belief in Karma and reincarnation; goal of life is to reach Nirvana
The Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths
Ways to reach Nirvana. Against materialism and earthly desires. Universe is all one spirit.
One of the most prominent religions in China.
Yuan Dynasty had close relationship with Tibetan lamas.
Yuan used Tibetan lamas as advisors, which upset many Chinese under their control.

17. Daoism Created in China by Laozi in the 6th-5th century BCE
Dao (means “the way”) is the force behind all.
Religion promotes oneness with nature.
The soul survives after death.
Goal to achieve harmony with nature and responsibility to one another.
Much Dao philosophy is political.
Origin of the yin and yang
Rise of magic/sorcery during the Ming period. Also, very influential to medicine.
Yin and Yang: opposite forces actually complement one another. Out of chaos comes harmony.

18. Confucianism
Based on sayings and actions of Confucius, a Chinese Zhao philosopher (6th century BCE)
First gained prominence during the Han
Origin of the Mandate of Heaven
Promoted virtue and education, especially in government.
After death, one would be worshipped as an ancestor by their family.
Strong belief in respect for male superiority and social hierarchy.
2nd Bullet – Ming said to be directly related to the Han ruling house. Stark contrast to Mongol Yuan, who tried to eliminate Confucianism.

19. Neo-Confucianism
Response to philosophical battle between the “three teachings”
Established in 11th century, more prominent during Song and Ming dynasties
Belief that existence has two elements:
Li: Energy, or the essence of life
Qi: The material form of Li (earth, air, water, etc.)
Personal harmony via involvement in education and community
Social harmony via filial piety and five relationships
Hybrid of natural state of Buddhism and Daoism with the social ideals of traditional Confucianism
Zhu Xi believed that the Tao of Tian is expressed in principle or li, but that it is sheathed in matter or qi. In this, his system is based on Buddhist systems of the time that divided things into principle and function. In the Neo-Confucian formulation, li in itself is pure and almost-perfect, but with the addition of qi, base emotions and conflicts arise. Human nature is originally good, the Neo-Confucians argued (following Mencius), but not pure unless action is taken to purify it. The imperative is then to purify one's li. However, in contrast to Buddhists and Taoists, neo-Confucians did not believe in an external world unconnected with the world of matter. In addition, Neo-Confucians in general rejected the idea of reincarnation and the associated idea of karma.

20. Ming Society Neo-Confucian Society was patriarchal.
Filial Piety: respect for living parents, elders; worship of ancestors who have passed.
Five Relationships: foundation of stable society
Father and son; elder brother and younger brother; husband and wife; older friend and younger friend; ruler and subject.
Social hierarchy based on four groups:
Shi: military commanders, bureaucrats, scholars
Nong: peasant farmers
Gong: artisans, craftsmen
Shang: merchants, traders
Not all Chinese dynasties were so patriarchal. Ex: Empress Wu of the Song Dynasty
Hongwu emperor’s need for military strength resulted in better status for military. Normally, good deeds are prized over military honor in Confucianism.

21. Ming Government
After the Yuan Dynasty, Confucianism became main political philosophy.
Civil service exams based on knowledge of Confucian philosophy were brought back.
Da Ming Lu – The Great Ming Code
Based on Confucian classical texts
Yongle Emperor commissioned the Dadian, as well as the fourth Daozang
Many emperors were criticized for bringing other religions into leadership
3rd bullet: Dadian an encyclopedia of history, philosophy, art, and science. Contains entire Confucian canon.
5th bullet: ex – Yongle emperor interested in Tibetan Buddhism, though strived to treat all equally. Chenghua and Jiajing emperors were Daoists.

22. Do Now: How can a lack of trade affect political power?
Aim: What was the relationship between the Ming and other parts of the world?
Do Now: How can a lack of trade affect political power?

23. Ming Economy Attempted currency of all paper money
Revived the agricultural economy.
Rice and grain; irrigation systems.
Attempted currency of all paper money
Counterfeiting and inflation
Adopted bimetallic system: copper cashes and silver ingots
Majority of Ming prosperity due to trade in 15th and 16th centuries
1st: Agriculture was decimated by the Mongols; Hongwu emperor invested in irrigation and decreased taxes on agricultural products
Columbian exchange later brought new crops like corn (now #1 crop grown in China).
2nd: use image for reference

24. Ming Trade Yongle emperor lifted ban, increased Ming naval strength.
Hongwu emperor imposed haijin, a sea ban on foreign trade
Yongle emperor lifted ban, increased Ming naval strength.
Zheng He and the Treasure Fleet
Trade and diplomacy closely related
Dealt with many different nations. However, in very different ways.
Hongwu allowed foreign merchants in, but did not let any out of China
Originally, the Haijin was imposed to focus on reconstructing after the Yuan and avoiding Japanese pirates (Wokou)

25. Ming Trade with Europe Food items (tea, spices) Textiles (silk)
Europeans desired Asian luxury goods, especially from India and China
Food items (tea, spices)
Textiles (silk)
Ceramics (porcelain vases, plates, etc)
Mostly traded for silver, especially with Spain and Portugal in the 16th century
In many cases, traded for more modern European firearms.
1st Bullet: Who was the figure who brought a taste for Asian items back to Europe?
After Vasco Da Gama and the Portuguese discovered trade route, craftsmen made porcelain pieces specifically for the west (IMAGE)

26. Ming Trade with Asia Imperial court tributary system.
“Middle Kingdom” and ethnocentrism.
Imperial court tributary system.
Pay for relationship with China.
Defer to Chinese superiority.
Benefited Chinese economy far more than tribute states.
Chinese controlled price and quantity.
Cost of trade and tribute missions high.
2nd Bullet: ANY Asian State that wanted a relationship of any kind had to give gifts regularly
Some countries: Korea, Vietnam, Japan
3rd Bullet: Other nations had to go out of their way to trade and bring back goods, accruing cost of voyage.
Also, Chinese set price of foreign goods, resulting in decrease of quality (ex: Japanese Swords)
4th Bullet: ex: helped Joseon Korea against Japanese invasions of the 1590s

28. Zheng He’s Treasure Fleet
Zheng He: Muslim eunuch and advisor to Yongle Emperor, promoted to admiral
Commanded the Treasure Fleet on seven voyages between 1405 and 1433
Voyages spanned Indian Ocean
NOT exploratory voyages
Collected tributes and ambassadors from Asian and African nations
A method of Ming power projection
4th: Chinese navigators were already aware of the trade routes and destinations in the Indian Ocean
Had 62 to 63 baoshan (flagships) and over 200 smaller junks on first voyage. Fleet only got larger from there.
27, crew members (half the population of London at the time)

29. Ming Treasure Ship (1405)
Length: 400+ ft.
Santa Maria (1492)
Length: ~73 ft.

31. End of the Treasure Fleet
Yongle emperor died in 1424
Zheng He died on seventh voyage
Cost of voyages extremely high.
Later emperors financed Great Wall.
China comfortably self-sufficient.
Naval trade still continued
All ships in the fleet were destroyed.
A century later, all overseas voyages were banned by the government

32. Exit Ticket: If you were the new Ming emperor, would you have ended the Treasure Fleet’s voyages after 1433?

33. Do Now: what are the Pros and Cons of isolationism?
Aim: In what way did isolation affect Ming China and other parts of the world?
Do Now: what are the Pros and Cons of isolationism?

34. Why Look Inward? Ethnocentric ideals Asian nations were barbarians
Diplomatic outreach too expensive
Ethnocentric ideals
Asian nations were barbarians
European ideals were corruptive
Self-sufficiency meant trade was unnecessary
Focus on defending against attack
Mongols and northern nomads
Wokou on the seas

35. A TRIP TO THE IMPERIAL COURT

38. Exit Ticket: Do you believe China should have isolated themselves late during the Ming Dynasty? Why?