Key Facts about Ming Dynasty

About the Ming Dynasty:

• The Ming Dynasty ruled China from A.D. 1368 to 1644.
• Known for its trade expansion to the outside world that established cultural ties with the West, the Ming Dynasty is also remembered for its drama, literature, and world-renowned porcelain.
• The Ming dynasty, which succeeded the Yuan (Mongol) dynasty (1206–1368), was founded by a commoner, Zhu Yuanzhang (1328–1398), who established Nanjing as his capital.
• However, nearly fifty years later, the third Ming emperor relocated the capital to Beijing, which has remained China’s main seat of government ever since.
• Governmental Structure:
  • The basic governmental structure established by the Ming was continued by the subsequent Qing (Manchu) dynasty and lasted until the imperial institution was abolished in 1911/12.
  • The civil service system was perfected during the Ming and then became stratified; almost all the top Ming officials entered the bureaucracy by passing a government examination.
  • Affairs in each province were handled by three agencies, each reporting to separate bureaus in the central government.
  • The position of prime minister was abolished. Instead, the emperor took over personal control of the government, ruling with the assistance of the especially appointed Neige, or Grand Secretariat.
• Achievements:
  • The period witnessed unprecedented economic and cultural expansion and the near doubling of China’s population. 
  • Notable Ming achievements include the refurbishment of the Great Wall to its greatest glory, large naval expeditions, vibrant maritime trade, and the rise of a heavily monetized economy.
  • Vital cultural achievements included the production of exceptional—and often colorful—porcelains, paintings, lacquers, and textiles.
  • The Ming Dynasty saw a publishing boom in China, with an avalanche of affordable books being produced for commoners.
• Collapse:
  • The last century of the Ming, however, was besieged by border troubles, crop failure, fiscal instability, and court corruption, leading to an overthrow by Manchu invaders from the north, who took Beijing in 1644.
  • The Ming were succeeded by the Qing (Manchu) dynasty (1644-1911).