Establishment of the Ming Dynasty
The Ming Dynasty (明朝) was founded by Zhu Yuanzhang, who became Emperor Hongwu, marking the end of the Yuan Dynasty and the beginning of a new era in Chinese history.
1368
1371
Birth of Yongle Emperor
The future Yongle Emperor, Zhu Di, was born. He would later become one of the most notable rulers of the Ming Dynasty (明朝).
1402
Yongle Emperor's Ascension
Zhu Di usurped the throne from his nephew, the Jianwen Emperor, and became the Yongle Emperor, initiating a period of expansion and consolidation for the Ming Dynasty (明朝).
1405
Zheng He's First Voyage
The Ming Dynasty (明朝) launched the first of Zheng He's seven maritime expeditions, which expanded China's influence across the Indian Ocean.
1421
Construction of the Forbidden City
The Yongle Emperor moved the capital of the Ming Dynasty (明朝) to Beijing and completed the construction of the Forbidden City.
1449
Tumu Crisis
The Ming Dynasty (明朝) suffered a significant defeat at the hands of the Mongols during the Tumu Crisis, resulting in the capture of the Zhengtong Emperor.
1550
Mongol Invasion of Beijing
The Mongols breached the Great Wall and invaded Beijing, highlighting the ongoing external threats faced by the Ming Dynasty (明朝).
1567
End of Maritime Prohibition
The Ming Dynasty (明朝) lifted its long-standing maritime prohibition, allowing private overseas trade to flourish.
1573
Wanli Emperor's Reign Begins
The Wanli Emperor ascended to the throne, overseeing a period of both prosperity and decline for the Ming Dynasty (明朝).
1592
Japanese Invasion of Korea
The Ming Dynasty (明朝) intervened in the Japanese invasions of Korea, helping to repel the forces of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
1604
Jesuit Missionaries in China
Matteo Ricci, a Jesuit missionary, was granted permission to reside in Beijing, marking significant cultural exchanges between the Ming Dynasty (明朝) and Europe.
1616
Founding of the Later Jin Dynasty
Nurhaci founded the Later Jin Dynasty, which would later become the Qing Dynasty, posing a significant threat to the Ming Dynasty (明朝).
1627
Rebellion and Economic Strain
The Ming Dynasty (明朝) faced internal rebellions and severe economic strain, weakening its control over the empire.
1644
Fall of the Ming Dynasty
The Ming Dynasty (明朝) fell when Beijing was captured by rebel forces led by Li Zicheng, and subsequently, the Manchu forces established the Qing Dynasty.
1645
Southern Ming Resistance
Remnants of the Ming Dynasty (明朝) continued to resist in the south, but were eventually subdued by the Qing forces.
