Ming Dynasty

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/ming-dynasty

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the dynastic period?1368–1644 CE
2. What is the founding emperor?Hongwu Emperor (Zhu Yuanzhang), who overthrew the Yuan Dynasty
3. What was the Ming Dynasty and when did it start?The Ming Dynasty was a Chinese empire that began in 1368 after the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty ended. It lasted almost three centuries and was known for strong leaders and many new ideas.
4. Who was the first emperor of the Ming and what did he do?The first Ming emperor was Zhu Yuanzhang, also called the Hongwu Emperor. He drove out the Mongols, restored Chinese rule, and made many changes to help farmers and keep the government honest.

Yuan Dynasty: The Mongol-led imperial dynasty of China from 1271 to 1368, preceding the Ming.
Hongwu Emperor: The founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, known for his reforms and consolidation of power.
Zheng He: A Chinese admiral and explorer who led massive naval expeditions during the early Ming Dynasty.
Blue and White Porcelain: A distinctive style of Chinese pottery characterized by white porcelain decorated with cobalt blue underglaze.