I.

Introduction

Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644, the last native Chinese dynasty in the history of China. Spanning almost three centuries between the fall of the Mongol Yuan dynasty and the rise of the Manchu Qing dynasty, the Ming reunited what is now called China proper after almost 400 years of foreign incursion and occupation. The Ming contributed greatly to Chinese literature, Chinese art, and Chinese philosophy. It is noted for its sea explorations, even though, when the effort was not followed up, the results failed to register any permanent value. It is best known for its strong and complex central government, which unified and controlled the empire. Ironically, it was this same complexity that prevented the Ming government from being able to adapt to changes in society and eventually led to its decline.