Essays on Ming Dynasty

1368–1644

Today parts of China, Russia, Vietnam

The Great Ming, which succeeded the Yuan (Mongol) dynasty (1206–1368), was the ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644, during which China’s population doubled. Ming Dynasty is remembered for its drama, literature and world-renowned porcelain.

Ming dynasty founder Emperor Taizu, also known as Zhu Yuanzhang was a penniless peasant and Buddhist monk. Taizu captured Beijing in 1368, destroying the palaces and announcing the Ming Dynasty.

From 1405 to 1433, were launched ambitious flotillas to expand the Chinese tribute system to other countries. By 1557, the tribute system was replaced by maritime trade. One of the best exports of the Ming Dynasty was its porcelain. The classic Ming porcelain was white and blue.

Ming Dynasty was described as "one of the greatest eras of orderly government and social stability in human history." Sixteen emperors ruled over the whole of China proper spanning 276 years. The Ming main central administrative system had one Department and the Secretariat, that controlled the Six Ministries.

The dominant religious beliefs were the various forms of Chinese folk religion and Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Schools, descent groups, religious associations, and other local voluntary organizations were increasing, as the distance between market towns was shrinking. During the Ming dynasty various forms of art and literature flourished, especially painting, poetry, music and Chinese opera. The best Ming sculpture were a small ornamental carvings of jade, ivory, wood, and porcelain.

The Ming government was gradually weakened by the burdens of a growing population and a succession of weak and inattentive emperors. In 1642, Li Zicheng and Zhang, took control of separate parts of the country and both declared new dynasties. The last Ming emperor, Chóngzhēn, committed suicide in 1644.