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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. -
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). -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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 -
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. -
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
The Peasants had revolted against the Ming Dynasty and planned to change the governing rule. -
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.
