THE YUAN AND MING DYNASTIES

The Mongol Empire

• Mongols were nomadic peoples of Northern China

• In 1206, a powerful leader (khan) united them- his name was Temjujin

• He became the “universal ruler,” or Genghis Khan

THE MONGOL CONQUEST• Genghis Khan organized a

Mongol army that brutally terrorized, massacred entire villages, and conquered the areas of most of Asia and western Europe

• In 1211 he turned his attention towards China- by his death in 1227, Genghis Khan controlled all of northern China

YUAN DYNASTY• In 1279, Genghis Khan’s

grandson, Kublai Khanconquered the rest of China and declared himself Emperor of China-Beginning the Yuan Dynasty

• This Mongol Ascendancy is the first time China has been ruled by foreigners

LIFE IN YUAN CHINA

• Mongol leaders were from different ethic groups, spoke different languages, practice different religions, wore different clothes, and had different customs from the Chinese natives

• The Chinese resented being ruled by foreigners; they saw the as rude and uncivilized

LIFE IN YUAN CHINA• Many Mongols adopted aspects of

Chinese culture

• To keep control of the Chinese, the Mongols they prohibited Confucian scholars from gaining too much power in the government

• Heavy taxes were placed on the Chinese to pay for public work projects; such as expansion of the Great Canal, roads, and palaces

The also built a new capital, Dadu, near present-day Beijing

LIFE IN YUAN CHINA

• Mongol soldiers were sent throughout the empire to keep the peace and watch the Chinese

• They also opened China’s ports to foreign trade; with some traders receiving special privileges

Market place where foreign goods were sold

MARCO POLO• Much of what is known about

the Yuan comes from the Italian merchant’s experiences as he traded around the world between 1271-1295

• He wrote about his travels in China- his descriptions sparked European interest in China

THE END OF THE YUAN DYNASTY• The Mongols were not satisfied with only conquering the Chinese

lands- they wanted Japan as well

• In 1274 and again in 1281, they sailed out to attack Japan-but both times were disastrous

• Violent storms and fierce warriors destroyed most of the Mongol forcers

• These failed attempts weakened the Mongol military & over extended public works crippled the economy

• These weakness lead to a Chinese rebellion to overthrow the Mongols

Video 4:14 Yuan Dynasty Stuff

OVERTHROW OF THE MONGOLS

• 1300’s many Chinese rebel groups attacked the Yuan dynasty forces

• In 1368, a former monk named Zhu Yuanzhang took charge of a rebel army

• He led this army in a final victory over the Mongols, becoming the next Chinese Emperor

Video: Ming The Beginning

THE MING DYNASTY

• Proved to be one of the most stable and prosperous times in Chinese history (1368-1644)

• The Ming’s grew in fame across the seas and sponsored incredible building projects throughout China

ZHENG HE

• Led seven voyages throughout Asia to explore new lands and show China’s power to the world

• He presented leaders of these lands with gifts from China and encouraged that exotic gifts from these lands be sent to the emperor Video: Zheng He 5:45

The Forbidden CityIt is not actually a city, but a huge complex of almost 1,000 buildings in the heart of China’s capital. It was built for the emperor, his family, his court, and servants. Ordinary people were forbidden from entering.

Video

CHINA UNDER THE MING

• The Ming eliminated foreign influences from Chinese society

• As a result, China’s government and relationship with other countries changed drastically

MING GOVERNMENT • Adopted many of the previous Tang and Song programs

• Abolished offices of powerful officials

• Took a larger part in running the government themselves

• The Ming fiercely protected their power and punished anyone whom they saw as a threat

• They kept the Civil Service Exams to find officials to keep their affairs organized

• Civil Exams were used to appoint censors to investigate the behaviors of local leaders & the quality of their schools and institutions

RELATIONS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES

• In 1430, the new Ming Emperor made Zheng He’s ships return to China and dismantled his fleet

• He banned foreign trade at the same time, sending China into a period of isolationism (policy of avoiding contact with other countries)

CONSEQUENCES OF ISOLATIONISM

• By the 1800’s the Western World had made huge leaps in technological progress

• Westerners were able to easily influence Chinese affairs

• Partly because of China’s isolationism, they were too weak to stop them

Yuan Ming

Using your notes and workbook, complete the Compare & Contrast Chart detailing the differences and similarities of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties. Be Very specific.