The Ming Dynasty In The History Of China
The Ming Dynasty ruled ancient China for almost three hundred years, establishing a significant role in the history of China through its structured government. “At its peak, the Ming Dynasty made China a global superpower, influencing the known world in trade, culture and might” (Barksdale para. 1). The Ming Dynasty was the last of the Chinese dynasties to be ruled by the native Han Chinese. During the Ming Dynasty, the arts flourished, including literature, pottery, painting, and music. Similar to most dynasties, the Ming Dynasty ended in a revolt of the people as a whole. Altogether, the Ming Dynasty possesses a plethora of history and events. The first Ming emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang, focused on the punishment of corrupt government officials.
Zhu Yuanzhang also implemented policies to ease the daily life of peasants (Travel China Guide para. 5). These actions laid a foundation for the stable structure of the Ming Dynasty. Due to the stability of the Ming government, the dynasty was able to accomplish many architectural feats. To be specific, the government of the Ming Dynasty commenced a restoration of the Great Wall over a span of eighty years, providing it with its current appearance (Barksdale para. 4). Most importantly, the fall of the Ming Dynasty was caused by a multitude of unfortunate events. Corruption found its way into politics. Floods, famine, and earthquakes recently affected the area, causing a peasant uprising, led by a peasant named Li Zicheng (Encyclopædia Britannica para. 6). Following Li Zicheng’s capture of Beijing, Manchu tribal peoples drove him out and founded the Qing Dynasty in 1644.
Although the Ming Dynasty ended with disaster, this dynasty proved to be influential in the world of trade and economy. During this era, “trade and investment thrived during the Ming era because of the liberalized economy” (Mingdynasty.org, para. 7). Additionally, the “blue-and-white” porcelain of the Ming dynasty “became one of the first global fads” (Barksdale para. 6). At their peak, the Ming Dynasty exchanged goods as far as Europe (Mingdynasty.org para. 7). Truly, the trade market of the Ming Dynasty allowed China global recognization
Additionally, the Ming Dynasty achieved numerous cultural achievements. Definitely, the “blue-and-white” ceramics of the Ming Dynasty are remarkable. Widely copied by Vietnam and Japan, the porcelain of the Ming Dynasty holds no price tag (Encyclopædia Britannica para. 10). Furthermore, the arts exerted an influence on the Ming Dynasty, as “artists generally stressed independent creation, impressing their work with strong marks of their personal styles” (Encyclopædia Britannica para. 9) This influence caused the making of numerous unique paintings. Also, the building of the Forbidden City displays the cultural architecture of the Ming Dynasty. Some claim “the greatest achievements accomplished during this time were on architecture [sic]” (Travel China Guide para. 14).
In conclusion, the Ming Dynasty earned its reputation as one of the most influential Chinese dynasties. Several strong leaders, a stable government, and culture obtained significance for the Ming Dynasty. Without the creation of the Great Wall of China, the Mongols would have annihilated the Ming Dynasty. Without the trade of goods on an international scale, the Ming Dynasty would not have influenced a strong economy. Although, the decline of the Chinese economy ultimately led to the fall of the Ming Dynasty. Overall, the Ming Dynasty deserves more credit than given, and should not be overlooked.
Zhu Yuanzhang also implemented policies to ease the daily life of peasants (Travel China Guide para. 5). These actions laid a foundation for the stable structure of the Ming Dynasty. Due to the stability of the Ming government, the dynasty was able to accomplish many architectural feats. To be specific, the government of the Ming Dynasty commenced a restoration of the Great Wall over a span of eighty years, providing it with its current appearance (Barksdale para. 4). Most importantly, the fall of the Ming Dynasty was caused by a multitude of unfortunate events. Corruption found its way into politics. Floods, famine, and earthquakes recently affected the area, causing a peasant uprising, led by a peasant named Li Zicheng (Encyclopædia Britannica para. 6). Following Li Zicheng’s capture of Beijing, Manchu tribal peoples drove him out and founded the Qing Dynasty in 1644.
Although the Ming Dynasty ended with disaster, this dynasty proved to be influential in the world of trade and economy. During this era, “trade and investment thrived during the Ming era because of the liberalized economy” (Mingdynasty.org, para. 7). Additionally, the “blue-and-white” porcelain of the Ming dynasty “became one of the first global fads” (Barksdale para. 6). At their peak, the Ming Dynasty exchanged goods as far as Europe (Mingdynasty.org para. 7). Truly, the trade market of the Ming Dynasty allowed China global recognization
Additionally, the Ming Dynasty achieved numerous cultural achievements. Definitely, the “blue-and-white” ceramics of the Ming Dynasty are remarkable. Widely copied by Vietnam and Japan, the porcelain of the Ming Dynasty holds no price tag (Encyclopædia Britannica para. 10). Furthermore, the arts exerted an influence on the Ming Dynasty, as “artists generally stressed independent creation, impressing their work with strong marks of their personal styles” (Encyclopædia Britannica para. 9) This influence caused the making of numerous unique paintings. Also, the building of the Forbidden City displays the cultural architecture of the Ming Dynasty. Some claim “the greatest achievements accomplished during this time were on architecture [sic]” (Travel China Guide para. 14).
In conclusion, the Ming Dynasty earned its reputation as one of the most influential Chinese dynasties. Several strong leaders, a stable government, and culture obtained significance for the Ming Dynasty. Without the creation of the Great Wall of China, the Mongols would have annihilated the Ming Dynasty. Without the trade of goods on an international scale, the Ming Dynasty would not have influenced a strong economy. Although, the decline of the Chinese economy ultimately led to the fall of the Ming Dynasty. Overall, the Ming Dynasty deserves more credit than given, and should not be overlooked.