Chinese Rule Restored by the Ming
The Yuan dynasty declined after the death of Kublai Khan, which occurred in 1294. Most Chinese despised the foreign Mongol rulers. Confucian scholars retreated into their own world, seeing little to gain from the barbarians. Heavy taxes, corruption, and natural disasters led to frequent uprisings. Finally, Zhu Yuanzhang (dzoo YOO AHND zahng), a peasant leader, forged a rebel army that toppled the Mongols and pushed them back beyond the Great Wall. In 1368, he founded a new Chinese dynasty, which he called the Ming, meaning 'brilliant.'
Chinese Rule Restored by the Ming
Zhu Yuanzhang ousted the Mongols and led China as the Hongwu emperor, shown here, for 30 years. He founded the Ming dynasty, which ruled China for almost 300 years.
Chinese Fleets Explore the Seas
Early Ming rulers sent Chinese fleets into distant waters. The most extraordinary of these ventures were the voyages of the Chinese admiral and diplomat Zheng He (jeng he) which began in 1405.
Chinese Fleets Explore the Seas
Zheng He and his crew and ships are portrayed in this colorful relief at the Gedong Batu Temple in Semarang, Java Indonesia. An annual celebration commemorates his visit.
Chinese Rule Restored by the Ming
Vincent Hiller
Created on November 6, 2025
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Transcript
Chinese Rule Restored by the Ming
The Yuan dynasty declined after the death of Kublai Khan, which occurred in 1294. Most Chinese despised the foreign Mongol rulers. Confucian scholars retreated into their own world, seeing little to gain from the barbarians. Heavy taxes, corruption, and natural disasters led to frequent uprisings. Finally, Zhu Yuanzhang (dzoo YOO AHND zahng), a peasant leader, forged a rebel army that toppled the Mongols and pushed them back beyond the Great Wall. In 1368, he founded a new Chinese dynasty, which he called the Ming, meaning 'brilliant.'
Chinese Rule Restored by the Ming
Zhu Yuanzhang ousted the Mongols and led China as the Hongwu emperor, shown here, for 30 years. He founded the Ming dynasty, which ruled China for almost 300 years.
Chinese Fleets Explore the Seas
Early Ming rulers sent Chinese fleets into distant waters. The most extraordinary of these ventures were the voyages of the Chinese admiral and diplomat Zheng He (jeng he) which began in 1405.
Chinese Fleets Explore the Seas
Zheng He and his crew and ships are portrayed in this colorful relief at the Gedong Batu Temple in Semarang, Java Indonesia. An annual celebration commemorates his visit.