THE MONGOL AND MING EMPIRES

LEQ: How did the Mongol invasion and the rise of the Ming dynasty affect China?

WHO WERE THE MONGOLS?

Nomadic people of Central Asia. Skilled warriors and horseback

riders. Mongol tribes were united by

Genghis Khan “Universal Ruler.” He was a strong and ruthless

leader, who led a fierce army.

His empire spanned from Northern Asia to Eastern Europe.

They adopted the use of cannons to attack walled cities in China.

MONGOL RULE

To conquer territories, the Mongols would massacre and completely destroy cities.

Once an area was conquered, the Mongols ruled with toleration and justice.

Pax Mongolica was time of peace and order under Mongol rule.

Stability led to economic growth. The Silk Road and trade flourished.

CHINA UNDER MONGOL RULE

Kublai Khan (Genghis Khan’s grandson) toppled the Song dynasty and established the Yuan dynasty.

In the Yuan dynasty only Mongols could… serve in the military hold the highest government jobs

Chinese officials were allowed to rule in the provinces since the empire was too large for the Mongols to rule alone.

A Mongolian Emperor And His Wife

CHINA UNDER MONGOL RULE

Arab architects designed Kublai Khan’s palace.

Foreigners were welcomed to his court, such as, Marco Polo.

Contact between Europe and Asia continued.

Some Chinese products moved to Europe.

Porcelain, playing cards, gunpowder ,

and papermaking

were introduced to Europe.

The Pope sent Christian priests to Beijing.

Marco Polo wrote of the splendor and wealth of

China.

FALL OF MONGOL RULE

After Kublai Khan’s death the Yuan dynasty began to decline. Heavy taxes Corruption Resentment of foreign rule Lack of support from Confucian scholars

A rebel army topple the Mongols and pushed them beyond the Great Wall.

The Ming dynasty was established by Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu YuanzhangFounder of the Ming Dynasty

MING DYNASTY

Ming means “brilliant.” Civil service exams were put back

in place to determine government officials.

Confucian learning became the most important kind of education.

Censors watched over the bureaucracy to get rid of corruption.

Civil Service Exam

MING DYNASTY

Farming improved with… better methods of fertilizing. more land cultivated. new crops brought in from the

Americas (esp. corn and sweet potatoes).

Canal systems promote trade and expanded cities.

Art and literature flourished.

Terrace Farming

Canal System

MING DYNASTY

Chinese fleets were sent out to promote trade and collect tribute from lesser powers.

Zheng He was a Chinese admiral and diplomat.

Trading centers developed and Chinese merchants settled all over Asia.

When Zheng He died, the Ming emperor banned the expeditions.

Less than 60 years later, Spain became a major player in exploration.

Zheng He Expeditions