Ming Dynasty (mar 1, 1368 – mar 1, 1644)

Description:

Again unifies China after mongol rule

China is an agricultural society

Ming code=severe law but stability ("rather a year of tyranny than a day of anarchy")
*very cruel punishment, especially to women

Hongwu is emperor until 1398, and he devotes most of his time towards pursuit of the Tao. After 1938, 3 years of civil war ensue until Dongle takes the throne (1402-1424).

Reaping benefits of stability, small market towns pop up all over China in 1400--> China's economy grows and diversifies

Grand canal built to ferry materials

Zheng He's fleet (1405-1433) collects tribute and brought back knowledge. Efforts halt after Xuande appointed.
*dominating the world wasn't important, for the Ming China was the world.

In 1449, emperor Zhengtong captured by mongols, leading to Great Wall being rebuilt

Economy after:
Lots of silver goes to China, and China required taxes to be paid in silver, meaning that everyone had to produce something that could be sold for silver. This was often silk, leading to a price drop hurting the Chinese economy and the Spanish economy (almost every silk producer put out of business). Spend too much on great wall, and by 17th century Ming were overthrown by the Manchus.



"Ming China had begun as an agriculutral state with a stifling economy, but now the growth of the market gave birth to a new urban moneyed class who would begin to loosen the grip of Ming autocracy"

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