In this Grade 7 lesson from IMPACT California Social Studies Chapter 5, students examine how the Ming dynasty rose to power after the decline of Mongol rule, exploring the reforms of emperors Hong Wu and Yong Le, including the restoration of civil service examinations, the construction of the Forbidden City, and economic expansion through infrastructure projects. Students also analyze the causes and long-term effects of the voyages of Zheng He on China and its relationships with the wider world.
Section 1
Hong Wu Founds the Ming Dynasty
For nearly a century, the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty ruled China. Many Chinese people resented this foreign rule and wanted to restore their own government.
A rebel leader named Zhu Yuanzhang gathered a large army and successfully drove the Mongols out of the country. In 1368, he founded the Ming Dynasty, restoring Chinese leadership.
Section 2
Ming Emperors Rebuild the State
After taking power from the Mongols, Ming emperors worked to rebuild China and strengthen their government. They brought back the civil service exams to select skilled officials based on their knowledge of Confucian ideas, not just their family connections.
To manage the economy, the government conducted a census, a count of the population used to collect taxes more effectively. This new wealth was invested in agriculture and infrastructure, including repairs to the Grand Canal, which helped trade and transport goods.
Section 3
Ming Writers Reach New Audiences
The peace and prosperity of the Ming Dynasty led to a golden age for arts and literature. As cities grew, more people had the time and money to enjoy entertainment. This created a large audience for new forms of storytelling and performance.
A major change was the rise of writing in the vernacular, the language spoken by ordinary people. This allowed authors to write long stories called novels that were popular with many readers, not just educated scholars. These stories and revived traditional dramas reflected the vibrant culture of the time.
Section 4
The Ming Dynasty: From Exploration to Isolation
After the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty ended, the new Ming Dynasty worked to bring back traditional Chinese ways and re-establish its power.
In the early 1400s, the emperor sponsored incredible sea voyages. Admiral Zheng He led a massive fleet on expeditions to India, Arabia, and Africa, showing off China's wealth and creating trade connections.
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Section 1
Hong Wu Founds the Ming Dynasty
For nearly a century, the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty ruled China. Many Chinese people resented this foreign rule and wanted to restore their own government.
A rebel leader named Zhu Yuanzhang gathered a large army and successfully drove the Mongols out of the country. In 1368, he founded the Ming Dynasty, restoring Chinese leadership.
Section 2
Ming Emperors Rebuild the State
After taking power from the Mongols, Ming emperors worked to rebuild China and strengthen their government. They brought back the civil service exams to select skilled officials based on their knowledge of Confucian ideas, not just their family connections.
To manage the economy, the government conducted a census, a count of the population used to collect taxes more effectively. This new wealth was invested in agriculture and infrastructure, including repairs to the Grand Canal, which helped trade and transport goods.
Section 3
Ming Writers Reach New Audiences
The peace and prosperity of the Ming Dynasty led to a golden age for arts and literature. As cities grew, more people had the time and money to enjoy entertainment. This created a large audience for new forms of storytelling and performance.
A major change was the rise of writing in the vernacular, the language spoken by ordinary people. This allowed authors to write long stories called novels that were popular with many readers, not just educated scholars. These stories and revived traditional dramas reflected the vibrant culture of the time.
Section 4
The Ming Dynasty: From Exploration to Isolation
After the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty ended, the new Ming Dynasty worked to bring back traditional Chinese ways and re-establish its power.
In the early 1400s, the emperor sponsored incredible sea voyages. Admiral Zheng He led a massive fleet on expeditions to India, Arabia, and Africa, showing off China's wealth and creating trade connections.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter