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Aim: How did the Ming Dynasty reestablish and maintain Chinese rule from the 14th century onward? DO NOW: DEFINE “DYNASTY.” WHERE HAVE YOU SEEN THIS TERM? What is a Dynasty? • A series of rulers within the same family lineage. Similar to a ‘house’ or ‘clan’ in Europe. • Dynasties exhibit totalitarian rule, meaning they wield absolute control. In China, this was the Emperor. • The dynastic system in China first began in ancient times during the 21st century BCE. • The transfer of power from one dynasty to another is explained by the Mandate of Heaven o In China, the Emperor was seen as the “Son of Heaven.” If their actions, or the actions of their heirs, were not virtuous, it was believed they would lose the Mandate of Heaven. The Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368) • The Yuan Dynasty was claimed by Kublai Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan in 1271. o This was a dynasty run by the Mongols. • The Mongols already controlled most of present-day northern China, but this title legitimized their reign. • Despite its strong military, the government was challenged by corrupt officials, low tax revenues, and Chinese anger at Mongol control. • A series of natural disasters and famines were considered a sign that they had lost the Mandate of Heaven. Rise of the Ming Dynasty • Zhu Yuanzhang was born into poverty and orphaned, becoming a Buddhist monk in his formative years • He later joined the White Lotus Society, a secret religious group who protested Mongol rule, and became a soldier of resistance. • After the Red Turban Rebellion, which began in in 1351, Yuanzhang would take over much of southern China that had been held by the Yuan. • With the Mongols being pushed north (close to the borders of present-day Mongolia), the Ming Dynasty, which means “brilliant,” was born. The Hongwu Emperor • Choosing his era name as a reference to the dynasty’s military strength, the Hongwu emperor returned power to the Chinese. • He was considered a despot who killed over 40,000 of his own people. o Often created and used eunuchs as advisors, as he was suspicious of betrayal. o Eliminated the position of prime minister after a plot against him was revealed • However, he created reforms in education, law, and the military. • Military campaign in Yunnan expanded empire. The Yongle Emperor • After the death of the Hongwu emperor, Prince Zhu Di defeated his uncle for the throne. o “Yongle” means “perpetual happiness” • Brutal like his father, he killed many scholars and bureaucrats who questioned his legitimacy. • Fought many battles against Mongols and attempted to take over Vietnam. • Despite his militarism, the Yongle Emperor was also diplomatic, extending the economic reach of his empire beyond the empire’s borders. o Zheng He and the Treasure Fleet Human Geography • When the Yongle Emperor came to power, the capital city was moved north from Nanjing (“south capital”) to Beijing (“north capital”). • Here, the Forbidden City was constructed between 1406 and 1420 o This walled complex not only protected the Emperor, but gave him an almost holy appearance. •Also built the Grand Canal, the longest artificial waterway in the world. o At 1,104 miles long, it flows from Beijing to Hangzhou, where it empties into the Pacific. The Great Wall of China • Original portions constructed by the Western Zhou Dynasty date back to the 11th Century BCE. • During the Ming Dynasty, many of the portions we recognize today were restored. • Not just a wall, but a defense project composed of passes, watchtowers, garrisons, beacon towers and blockhouses. • Over 1 million Ming soldiers were stationed at various portions of the Great Wall during the 15th Century. We’re gonna build a wall • In groups of 5, we will research the additional achievements of the Ming Dynasty and write them down on our ‘bricks’ • Using chart paper, assemble them in terms of importance to the dynasty’s stability. o More important achievements will be at the base of the wall, creating a foundation. Less important will be higher up. • After your group’s wall is completed, discuss which achievement is the most important to the longterm success of the dynasty. •Then, compare and discuss the achievements and order you chose with the choices of your neighboring group. Aim: What were the “Three Teachings” of China, and how did they affect Ming society and government? DO NOW: KWL CHART Buddhism • Founded in India by Siddhartha Gautama in the 6th century BCE • Strong belief in Karma and reincarnation; goal of life is to reach Nirvana • The Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths oWays to reach Nirvana. Against materialism and earthly desires. Universe is all one spirit. • One of the most prominent religions in China. • Yuan Dynasty had close relationship with Tibetan lamas. Daoism • Created in China by Laozi in the 6th-5th century BCE • Dao (means “the way”) is the force behind all. • Religion promotes oneness with nature. o The soul survives after death. • Goal to achieve harmony with nature and responsibility to one another. o Much Dao philosophy is political. • Origin of the yin and yang • Rise of magic/sorcery during the Ming period. Also, very influential to medicine. Confucianism • Based on sayings and actions of Confucius, a Chinese Zhao philosopher (6th century BCE) • First gained prominence during the Han • Origin of the Mandate of Heaven • Promoted virtue and education, especially in government. • After death, one would be worshipped as an ancestor by their family. • Strong belief in respect for male superiority and social hierarchy. Neo-Confucianism • Response to philosophical battle between the “three teachings” • Established in 11th century, more prominent during Song and Ming dynasties • Belief that existence has two elements: o Li: Energy, or the essence of life o Qi: The material form of Li (earth, air, water, etc.) • Personal harmony via involvement in education and community • Social harmony via filial piety and five relationships Ming Society • Neo-Confucian Society was patriarchal. • Filial Piety: respect for living parents, elders; worship of ancestors who have passed. • Five Relationships: foundation of stable society o Father and son; elder brother and younger brother; husband and wife; older friend and younger friend; ruler and subject. • Social hierarchy based on four groups: o Shi: military commanders, bureaucrats, scholars o Nong: peasant farmers o Gong: artisans, craftsmen o Shang: merchants, traders Ming Government • After the Yuan Dynasty, Confucianism became main political philosophy. • Civil service exams based on knowledge of Confucian philosophy were brought back. •Da Ming Lu – The Great Ming Code o Based on Confucian classical texts • Yongle Emperor commissioned the Dadian, as well as the fourth Daozang • Many emperors were criticized for bringing other religions into leadership Aim: What was the relationship between the Ming and other parts of the world? DO NOW: HOW CAN A LACK OF TRADE AFFECT POLITICAL POWER? Ming Economy • Revived the agricultural economy. o Rice and grain; irrigation systems. • Attempted currency of all paper money o Counterfeiting and inflation o Adopted bimetallic system: copper cashes and silver ingots • Majority of Ming prosperity due to trade in 15th and 16th centuries Ming Trade • Hongwu emperor imposed haijin, a sea ban on foreign trade • Yongle emperor lifted ban, increased Ming naval strength. o Zheng He and the Treasure Fleet • Trade and diplomacy closely related • Dealt with many different nations. However, in very different ways. Ming Trade with Europe • Europeans desired Asian luxury goods, especially from India and China o Food items (tea, spices) o Textiles (silk) o Ceramics (porcelain vases, plates, etc) • Mostly traded for silver, especially with Spain and Portugal in the 16th century • In many cases, traded for more modern European firearms. Ming Trade with Asia • “Middle Kingdom” and ethnocentrism. • Imperial court tributary system. o Pay for relationship with China. o Defer to Chinese superiority. •Benefited Chinese economy far more than tribute states. o Chinese controlled price and quantity. o Cost of trade and tribute missions high. Zheng He’s Treasure Fleet • Zheng He: Muslim eunuch and advisor to Yongle Emperor, promoted to admiral • Commanded the Treasure Fleet on seven voyages between 1405 and 1433 • Voyages spanned Indian Ocean • NOT exploratory voyages o Collected tributes and ambassadors from Asian and African nations o A method of Ming power projection Ming Treasure Ship (1405) Length: 400+ ft. Santa Maria (1492) Length: ~73 ft. End of the Treasure Fleet • Yongle emperor died in 1424 • Zheng He died on seventh voyage • Cost of voyages extremely high. o Later emperors financed Great Wall. • China comfortably self-sufficient. o Naval trade still continued •All ships in the fleet were destroyed. o A century later, all overseas voyages were banned by the government Exit Ticket: If you were the new Ming emperor, would you have ended the Treasure Fleet’s voyages after 1433? Aim: In what way did isolation affect Ming China and other parts of the world? DO NOW: WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF ISOLATIONISM? Why Look Inward? • Diplomatic outreach too expensive • Ethnocentric ideals o Asian nations were barbarians o European ideals were corruptive • Self-sufficiency meant trade was unnecessary • Focus on defending against attack o Mongols and northern nomads o Wokou on the seas A TRIP TO THE IMPERIAL COURT Exit Ticket: Do you believe China should have isolated themselves late during the Ming Dynasty? Why?