Ming Dynasty

  • Zhu Yuanzhang's army defeats the military forces of the Yuan Dynasty.
    Jan 1, 1367

    Zhu Yuanzhang's army defeats the military forces of the Yuan Dynasty.

    After a seven-year battle, Yuanzhang's army ends the ruling of the Yuan Dynasty. Several years prior, Zhu had taken his army into Jiqing, established a military base there as part of his plan to control all of China.
  • Zhu declares himself the emperor of China
    Jan 1, 1368

    Zhu declares himself the emperor of China

    Zhu takes full control of China as the first emperor of the Ming dynasty. He makes Jin Ling the capital (Today known as Nanjng).
  • Construction on the Great Wall of China begins.
    Jan 1, 1368

    Construction on the Great Wall of China begins.

    Construction starts on the Great Wall of China. It is built to protect the Chinese Empire from the Hun Barbarians and will take over 100 years to complete.
  • Maritime trade is banned in China.
    Jan 1, 1371

    Maritime trade is banned in China.

    In an attempt to cut down on piracy, maritime, or sea, trade is banned in China. The only way that foreigners are allowed into China is if they are from a country that is part of China's trade system called the imperial tributary system. The ban ends in 1405.
  • Contruction begins on the Forbidden City
    Jan 1, 1406

    Contruction begins on the Forbidden City

    Construction begins in Beijing on the imperial palace, better known as the Forbidden City. Over 1 million workers and 100,000 artisans work on the palace, which has 9,999 rooms.
  • The fourth Chinese domination of Vietnam begins.
    Jan 1, 1407

    The fourth Chinese domination of Vietnam begins.

    Ming armies invade Vietnam and the fourth period of Chinese rule over Vietnam begins. Vietnam remains under Chinese rule until 1428
  • Renovation of the Grand Canal is completed.
    Jan 1, 1415

    Renovation of the Grand Canal is completed.

    The 1,100 mile long Grand Canal is almost completely renovated. An important waterway for trade, the canal climbs into the mountains of Shandong and is admired throughout the world.
  • Beijing is named the capital.
    Jan 1, 1420

    Beijing is named the capital.

    After construction on the Forbidden City is complete, Beijing becomes the new capital of China. It has remained the nation's capital since then and with over 20,000,000 residents is one of the most populated cities in the world.
  • Peasants Rebel

    Peasants Rebel

    The Peasants had revolted against the Ming Dynasty and planned to change the governing rule.
  • Emperor Chongzhen Commits suicide

    Emperor Chongzhen Commits suicide

    Li Zicheng's rebel advance into Beijing and Emperor Chongzhen hangs himself behind the Forbidden City. With the last Ming emperor gone, the Ming Dynasty is defeated and China is now briefly under the Shun Dynasty.