Ming Dynasty
YingZheng
1368 to 1644.
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.
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.