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Ming Dynasty

Imperial dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644

The Ming Dynasty, ruled by the Han people, had a large army and navy. It faced internal power struggles, economic challenges, and external threats. The dynasty collapsed in 1644 to Li Zicheng's rebellion, leading to the establishment of the short-lived Shun dynasty, which was later defeated by the Qing dynasty.

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Timeline

Establishment of Regional Command Systems

After the Jurchen invasion in 1127, the Song court established four semi-autonomous regional command systems, which later evolved into the provincial administrations of the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

Red Turban Rebellion

The Red Turbans, affiliated with the White Lotus society, revolted in 1351 against the Yuan Dynasty. Zhu Yuanzhang, a peasant who later founded the Ming Dynasty, played a significant role in this rebellion.

Zhu Yuanzhang takes control of Nanjing

In 1356, Zhu Yuanzhang, the leader of the rebel Red Turbans Movement and future Ming Hongwu Emperor, seizes control of Nanjing, a significant event in the establishment of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Yuanzhang captures Dadu and establishes Ming Dynasty

In 1368, Zhu Yuanzhang captured the Yuan empire capital of Dadu (now Beijing) and established the Ming Dynasty after first capturing Nanjing in 1358.

Rise of the Hongwu Emperor

The Hongwu Emperor, also known as Zhu Yuanzhang, established the Ming dynasty after overthrowing the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty. He ruled from 1368 to 1398 and implemented various reforms to consolidate his power.

Abolition of Secretariat by Hongwu Emperor

In 1380, the Hongwu Emperor abolished the Secretariat, the Censorate, and the Chief Military Commission, taking charge of the Six Ministries and the Five Military Commissions. This restructuring significantly altered the Ming administrative system.

The census of 1381 counted 59,873,305 people, but it was discovered that 3 million individuals were missing from the tax census of 1391, leading to a significant drop in the reported population.

Tax Census Discrepancy of 1391

Around 3 million people were found missing from the tax census of 1391, indicating a significant underreporting issue despite it being a capital crime in 1381.

Population Estimate of 1393

In 1393, the government created a conservative estimate of 60,545,812 people, but Ho Ping-ti suggested revising it to 65 million due to uncounted areas in North China and the frontier.

Ming Dynasty Legal Code

The early Ming dynasty legal code of 1397 retained elements of the Tang legal code, with revisions that included improved property rights for women. Legal reforms during the Ming dynasty built upon earlier Tang legal principles.

Death of Zhu Yuanzhang and Succession of Emperor Jianwen

Zhu Yuanzhang passed away, leading to his grandson, Emperor Jianwen, taking over the throne of the Ming Dynasty.

Population Estimate of 1400

Around 1400, the population of China was estimated to be approximately 90 million people, indicating a significant increase from previous census figures.

Emperor Yongle moves capital to Beijing

In 1402, Emperor Yongle captured Nanjing, burned down the former palace, purged the former emperor's bureaucracy, and moved the capital to Dadu which he renamed Beijing to establish his court administration.

Zheng He's Voyages

Zheng He led seven naval expeditions to establish Chinese trade in the Indian Ocean region. He and his Muslim sailors also made the pilgrimage to Mecca, possibly reaching Africa during their travels. The fleet consisted of around 2,000 ships.

Construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing

Emperor Yongle initiated the construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing in 1406. It took 14 years to complete, and after its construction, the Yongle Emperor made it his residence, moving the capital to Beijing.

Construction of the Forbidden City begins

In 1407, construction work commenced on the iconic Forbidden City in Beijing, which served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties. This architectural marvel is a symbol of Chinese imperial power and grandeur.

Establishment of the Eastern Depot

The Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty creates the Eastern Depot, a covert intelligence agency within the government.

Death of Yongle Emperor

Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty passes away during a military expedition against the Mongols.

Mongol Invasion of Ming Dynasty

In 1449, the Mongols invaded the Ming Dynasty territory and captured Emperor Yingzong, leading to the beginning of the Ming Dynasty's decline.

Coup against the Tianshun Emperor

Chinese general Cao Qin and his Ming troops of Mongol descent staged a coup against the Tianshun Emperor, fearing being purged due to their involvement in the Wresting the Gate Incident. The rebel force set fire to the Imperial City gates, killing leading ministers before being cornered.

Shaanxi Earthquake

The deadliest earthquake of all time, the Shaanxi earthquake of 1556, occurred during the Jiajing Emperor's reign, resulting in the death of approximately 830,000 people.

Portuguese Trading Base at Macao

In 1557, the Chinese Ming Dynasty granted the Portuguese a trading base at Macao, allowing them to establish a presence in the region.

Establishment of St. Paul's College in Macau

St. Paul's College was established in Macau in 1579, where Christian missionaries, particularly Jesuits, were educated in Chinese language and culture. The college played a significant role in the introduction of western science and technology in China.

Map of the Ming Empire c. 1580

The map of the Ming Empire circa 1580 provides a visual representation of the extent of the Ming dynasty's rule during that period. It shows the territorial expanse and influence of the Ming Empire.

First private newspapers in Beijing

The first reference to the publishing of private newspapers in Beijing was in 1582, marking a significant development in the dissemination of information during the Ming dynasty.

Arrival of Matteo Ricci in China

Matteo Ricci, an Italian Jesuit priest, arrived in China in 1583 and initiated the first Catholic mission in the country. Ricci's efforts included translating Chinese literature into Latin and introducing Western knowledge to Chinese society.

First performance of The Peony Pavilion

The Peony Pavilion, written by Tang Xianzu, had its first performance at the Pavilion of Prince Teng in 1598, becoming one of the most famous theater scripts of the Ming dynasty.

Foundation of Donglin Academy

The Donglin Academy was established during the Ming Dynasty in China.

First Chinese Translation of Euclid's Elements

Matteo Ricci and the convert Xu Guangqi collaborated to produce the first Chinese translation of Euclid's Elements in 1607. This translation was a significant achievement in the mingling of Chinese and Western knowledge.

Publication of Jin Ping Mei

Jin Ping Mei, published in 1610, marked the trend toward independent composition and concern with psychology in Chinese literature.

Nanjing Incident

The Nanjing Incident of 1616 involved a dispute among Jesuits in China regarding the extent to which converts could perform rituals to the emperor, Confucius, or their ancestors. The incident led to the exile of four Jesuits to Macau and a temporary retreat from public life for others.

Painting and Pottery in the Ming Dynasty

During the Ming period, there were significant developments in painting and pottery. Artists emphasized independent creation, showcasing their personal styles. Ming ceramics, including blue and white porcelain, were highly influential and imitated in various regions.

Kaifeng Jewish Community Devastated by Flood

In 1642, the Kaifeng Jewish community in China was devastated by a flood caused by the Ming governor of Kaifeng. The community lost families, its synagogue, and most of its Torah.

Collapse of Ming Dynasty

The Ming Dynasty, which ruled China since 1368, collapses in 1644.

Fall of Beijing to Li Zicheng's Rebel Army

Beijing, the capital of Ming China, fell to a rebel army led by Li Zicheng, marking the end of the Ming dynasty. The last Ming emperor, Chongzhen Emperor, committed suicide as the rebellion spread across the country.

Fall of Beijing to Li Zicheng

On April 25, 1644, Beijing fell to a rebel army led by Li Zicheng after the city gates were opened by rebel allies. This event marked a significant turning point in the Ming Dynasty's decline.

Rise and Establishment of the Qing Dynasty

The Qing dynasty, led by the Manchus, overthrew the Ming dynasty in 1644 and established their rule over China. This marked the end of the Ming dynasty and the beginning of the Qing dynasty.

Death of Li Zicheng

In the summer of 1645, Li Zicheng died in Jiangxi province, marking the end of the Shun dynasty. Conflicting reports suggest he either committed suicide or was beaten to death by peasants.

Capture and Execution of Yongli Emperor

In 1662, the last Southern Ming emperor, Zhu Youlang, also known as the Yongli Emperor, was captured and executed by the Qing Dynasty. This event marked the final defeat of the Ming remnants in southern China.

Abolition of the Imperial Institution

The basic governmental structure established by the Ming dynasty was continued by the subsequent Qing (Manchu) dynasty until the imperial institution was abolished in 1911/12.

Ming China 1368-1644 A Concise History of A Resilient Empire

John Dardess's concise history of the Ming Dynasty in China, covering the period from 1368 to 1644.

End of the Timeline
Ming Dynasty

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