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GR10 Ming Dynasty - Notes
GR10 Ming Dynasty - Notes
GR10 Ming Dynasty - Notes
At this stage, it was not at all clear that Europe would come to dominate the world. The intention is to provide
a comparative overview of some of the major empires at this time with Europe, which was not an empire.
These include China as a world power in the 14th and 15th centuries, Songhai, an African empire during the
15th and 16th Centuries, and the Indian Mughal Empire during the 16th and 17th centuries. This topic also
includes a discussion on the European societal structures during the above mentioned time periods. Societies
were dynamic and undergoing change - although the change was slower at that stage than after European
expansion (Topic 2). In all units, include the role of women in society. The studies of the three empires should
include accounts of the first contacts with Europe before conquests, when relationships were still balanced.
This topic will require students to do a comparative study on the following 4 sub-topics:
Explain to what extent you agree with the above statement by referring to a case study from any ONE of
the following empires:
Source for table layout. [2] The sub-headings are guided by the CAPS Guide
This content was originally produced for the SAHO classroom by
Ilse Brookes, Amber Fox-Martin & Simone van der Colff
End Notes
[1] The Western Cape Education Department, South Africa, “History Grade 10 2012 Exemplar,” (Accessed 22
June 2020), Available at: http://www.wcedcurriculum.westerncape.gov.za/jdownloads/History/Downloads/
history_gr_10_exemplar_2012_eng.pdf ↵
[2]N. Worden, J. Bottaro, P. Visser, P. “In Search of History: Grade 10 Learner’s Book”. ↵
GO
History Grade 10 - Topic 1 The Ming Dynasty
Chinese civilisation stretches back to least 2000 BC. It became a single empire in 221 BC. [1] China was ruled
by a series of dynasties until 1911 and from 1368 to 1644, the Ming Dynasty ruled over China. This was the
last native Chinese dynasty. [2] The word ‘Ming’ means bright, and is a fitting name for the Dynasty that had
many developments during its lifespan. [3]
Lineage [4]
The Ming Dynasty had a total of sixteen emperors. This article will focus on the changes that took place during
rule of the following Emperors: Hongwu (first emperor), Yongle (third emperor), Yingzong (sixth emperor)
and Chongzhen (sixteenth emperor).
Below is a full list of Ming Dynasty Emperors:
First Emperor: 1368 – 1398
Hongwu Emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang (Taizu) Image Source