I. Founder: Zhu Yuanzhang (1328-1398) a peasant rebel leader rose to power

A. Ming tributary system of "foreign relations"

B. maritime explorations led by Zheng He

C. Ming Neo-Confucianism: Wang Yangming 


D. eunuch power within the "forbidden city"

E. attempted invasions of Japanese warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi

1. 1592-93 Hideyoshi's armies reached the Yalu River

2. 1598 Hideyoshi died in the midst of his second attempt

3. defense expenses an additional strain on Ming resources

A. Li Zicheng led rebellion which ended the Ming, sacked Beijing

B. sinified Manchu forces "invited" below Great Wall to defeat Li

C. following purge of Li, Manchu leaders declare new dynasty: the Qing