Ming Dynasty

Hongwu Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang

founded the Ming Dynasty in 1368, overthrowing the Mongol Yuan Dynasty and initiating a period of native Chinese rule

Yongle Emperor Zhu Di

established Beijing as the new capital

sponsored the voyages of Zheng He

commissioned the construction of the Forbidden City and the Yongle Encyclopedia

campaigned successfully against the Mongols

Admiral Zheng He

• Commanded seven voyages between 1405 and 1433, 

• Sailed throughout the Indian Ocean: the Persian Gulf to Africa’s easternmost coast, 

• Returned to China with 30+ representatives

• demonstrated advanced Chinese shipbuilding and navigational technologies

• Established diplomatic and trade relations with over 37 countries across Asia and East Africa

Hongzhi Emperor

• created a period of peace and prosperity known as the "Hongzhi Resurgence," (administrative reform, reduced corruption, and a flourishing of the arts) 

• implemented policies based on Confucian ideals

• appointed talented officials 

•  lowered taxes to benefit his people and strengthened the central authority of the Ming government.

Wanli Emperor

• implemented reforms that unified the tax system and controlled corruption (led to increased silver currency, a booming commercial economy, and a flourishing of urban culture, including fiction)

Chongzhen Emperor

• elimination of the powerful eunuch Wei Zhongxian and his faction 

• restored the Donglin Academy partisans to government, and a period of personal diligence and hard work in governing the collapsing Ming Dynasty.

Heart

The Ming dynasty was an empire that had been relatively rich in cultural beliefs and religions within its rule. Their empire facilitated and accepted the religions of Christianity, Daoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. The Ming dynasty believed in religious freedom, hence the surplus of religions.

Feet

The Ming Dynasty mainly participated in sea trade, for example, one of their was the maritime silk road. These voyages were led by Zheng He on large fleets. On these fleets, many resources were being carried back and forth, including silk, textiles, copper coins, and Chinese wear. They primarily exported and traded things like silk, porcelain, textiles, and tea, receiving things back like gold.

Legs

 Labor Systems - The Ming Dynasty labor system transitioned from early mandatory corvée labor (unpaid, forced labor required for a set number of days per year by a state or lord for public works) to a significant increase in wage labor and a market-driven economy. While some hereditary obligations persisted, particularly in the military and artisan households who served over long distances, the system also featured government-sponsored public works and a growing number of freelance laborers and tenant farmers. The rise of cash crops and trade further encouraged a labor market where people increasingly worked for wages. 

Ribs

Societal Infrastructure:

The Ming Dynasty had a social infrastructure widely impacted by Confucian ideals and beliefs. The Ming Dynasty had civil service exams within its empire, and what resembled a food chain within its social and governmental plans. Emperors sat at the top of this chair, whilst educated scholars sat below them. Under the emperors and scholars were merchants and peasants. The civil service exam allowed educated people to gain power and influence within an empire's governmental system or bureaucracies. For one to take this exam, they had to have the means to focus on studies, implying that those with little to no substantial amount of money could even participate in the civil service exam. 

Pen

Literature: 

The most important literature of the Ming Dynasty were the Four Great Classical Novels: Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Water Margin, Journey to the West, and The Plum in the Golden Vase. 

Romance of the Three Kingdoms is essentially a historical text, representing the last years of the Han Dynasty (168-220 A.D). It was important to the Ming Dynasty as it supported the political viewpoints and painted a good picture to people. The text was also used to legitimize the Ming Dynasty as Liu Bei was portrayed as an actual successor to the Han dynasty. Author: Luo Guanzhong

Since Water Margin was a novel that explored rebellion against corrupt government, it became a large part of pop-culture. It also supported Zhu Yuanzhang’s rule by basically quelling public discontent surrounding corruption through fictional writing. Author: Shi Nai’an

Journey to the West was made as a humorous retelling of the historical pilgrimage of the Buddhist monk Xuanzang. Despite being a political commentary on real social issues, it is satirical. This ended up being both an entertaining and informational novel for all ages. This is especially true since it was easier to read than most classical-style literature at the time. Author: Wu Cheng’en

The Plum in the Golden Vase comments on the lack of morals in elite society. As the man in the story has six wives and succumbs to his lust via sexual exploitation. This became an important piece of literature to the public as it 

Most of these books were focused on morals and politics, some more subtle than others. They most often criticized the empire, which actually ended up causing a shift in public perception, leading to. Though intentionally or not, they were all used to show the Ming Dynasty’s self awareness and generally paint a good picture.