[-AI-3.5]Ten Important Events in the History of Yuan Dynasty

Abstract

中国の歴史において、元朝は重要な王朝の一つである。この王朝は13世紀中頃に成立し、クビライ・カンの統治下では中国全土を統一した。その後、元朝はモンゴル高原、ウイグル、ペルシャなど多様な文化を取り入れ、発展していった。クビライ・カンの即位式、彼が推し進めた改革、陳友良の反乱、明達山の反乱、漢族とモンゴル族の間の摩擦、オゴデイ・カンの死と元朝の衰退に関する概要が説明されている。クビライ・カンの統治下での中国の統一と発展は、元朝の基礎を築き、多くの改革を推し進めることにより実現された。

Table of contents

• Introduction
• The Coronation of Kublai Khan
• Kublai Khan’s Reforms
• Chen Youliang’s Rebellion
• Ming Da Shan’s Rebellion
• Tension between Han and Mongol People
• Death of Ogedei and Decline of Yuan Dynasty
• Conclusion

-- CAUTION

[Text]This blog is purely generated by Cohesive.ai

Introduction

The Yuan Dynasty is one of the important dynasties in the history of China. It was established in the mid-13th century, and under the reign of Kublai Khan, it unified the whole of China. Afterwards, it incorporated diverse cultures such as those of the Mongolian plateau, the Uighurs, and Persia, among others, and developed.

The Coronation of Kublai Khan

The establishment of Yuan Dynasty began with military force from the Mongol leader Chinggis Khan, and in 1260, Kublai Khan succeeded him. He called himself the emperor and began to unify China and carry out many reforms. Kublai Khan gathered many talented advisors and actively listened to their advice, strengthening the dynasty’s rule over China.

While Kublai Khan incorporated Chinese culture, he also worked on cross-cultural exchange. Yuan Dynasty paintings and embroidery fused Chinese and Mongol styles, bringing innovation to Chinese art. However, he also had a strict attitude towards foreign cultures. As rebellions by Chinese people were frequent at the time, Kublai Khan adopted policies that excluded the Han people.

Reforms of Kublai Khan

Kublai Khan was the grandson of the founder of Yuan Dynasty, Genghis Khan, and the first foreign emperor to unite China. He implemented numerous reforms for the unity and development of the empire.

The first reform was the establishment of the Advisory Bureau. He sought policy advice from knowledgeable people in various regions and built a system to implement policies based on their advice.

The second reform was the introduction of new currency. In pre-war China, the value of currency was low, and ordinary people used copper coins for transactions. Also, Westerners like bishops brought in their own gold coins. Kublai Khan introduced new currency, which promoted the introduction of a monetary economy.

The third reform was administrative reform. Kublai Khan established new administrative districts and entrusted local administration to influential people in various regions. This improved the empire’s control and freed peasants from taxes and military service.

Through these reforms by Kublai Khan, Yuan Dynasty achieved the unification and stability of China, laying the foundation for its development.

Chen Youliang’s rebellion

Chen Youliang was a rebel at the end of Yuan Dynasty who launched a rebellion in Guangxi Province in the early 14th century. He raised an army led by himself and his brother, and seized control of Guangxi and Guangdong provinces.

The cause of the rebellion was his imprisonment in Guangxi. Chen Youliang thought that the authorities of Yuan Dynasty were neglecting him, so he raised the flag of rebellion in Guangxi.

There was dissatisfaction among the people due to the corrupt behavior of the court and forced labor, among other things. He organized a rebellion army with broad support from the people.

In 1342, he defeated the army of Yuan Dynasty and brought Guangxi Province under his control. However, he was defeated by the Ming Dynasty army in Yuanzhou in 1363, and Chen Youliang was executed.

Ming Da Shan’s Rebellion

Ming Da Shan’s Rebellion was a rebellion by Min Dasha, a rebel of Yuan Dynasty, in Sichuan Province and Hunan Province from 1381 to 1384.

The cause of the rebellion was the people’s dissatisfaction with corrupt local government and unfair tax systems. Also, that period was a time of great famine, and people’s suffering increased.

It was difficult to build walls due to the difficulties of defense, but using a technique called Tekton, they were able to build walls on steep slopes. However, eventually Yuan Dynasty suppressed the rebellion, and many rebellion leaders including Min Dasha were executed.

Friction between Han Chinese and Mongolians

During Yuan Dynasty, there were various frictions between Han Chinese and Mongolians. It was due to differences in social and cultural backgrounds and also because policies were implemented to exclude the Han Chinese.

The Han Chinese regarded themselves as a superior, civilized ethnic group. On the other hand, the Mongolians were considered a barbaric ethnic group superior in strength and bravery. This difference in recognition led to their conflict.

Also, during Yuan Dynasty, policies were adopted to exclude Han Chinese from holding official positions and land rights. This increased the Mongolian’s control and helped to maintain their rule.

However, cultural exchange progressed, and the conflict between Han Chinese and Mongolians gradually dissipated.

Ogotai’s death and the decline of Yuan Dynasty

Ogotai Khan was the son of Genghis Khan and the second emperor of the Mongol Empire. He expanded the empire’s territory, established administrative systems, and stabilized the empire by employing talented people. However, he died suddenly in 1251.

After Ogotai’s death, the empire gradually became chaotic. In particular, in the 1280s, there was increasing factionalism and militarization among the ruling class, and the empire gradually declined.

In summary, although Yuan Dynasty conquered China and implemented reforms during Kublai Khan’s reign, after Ogotai Khan, confusion arose within the empire, leading to its decline.