Ming Dynasty Political History (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Zhang Xianqing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-12-01
Features: As a specialized study on the political history of the Ming Dynasty, The Political History of the Ming Dynasty integrates the economic development of the time into the major transformations of the world. Against this backdrop, it examines various aspects of the era—class structure, state form, government institutions, bureaucratic administration, legal systems, political reforms, factional struggles, ethnic policies, foreign relations, and political thought—through comprehensive, multi-layered analysis, employing detailed evidence, extensive scope, fresh perspectives, and an impartial stance. By exploring the influence of Ming political operations on economic and cultural development, the book further investigates the fundamental laws of ancient Chinese social development.
In the 15th century, the world underwent significant transformations, and the Ming Dynasty of China simultaneously entered a transitional historical period. Various contradictions were intertwined in political struggles, driving the development of Chinese society forward. The Ming Dynasty, as the late stage of China's feudal society, was a transitional period that bridged past and future. Its political development was marked by both the intense and tension-filled struggle between old and new contradictions. On one hand, there was an unprecedented strengthening of autocratic centralism; on the other, the political consciousness of the urban petty bourgeoisie began to awaken. This fully demonstrates the historical role of politics in the development of ancient Chinese society.
As a specialized study on the political history of the Ming Dynasty, The Political History of the Ming Dynasty integrates the economic development of the time into the major transformations of the world. Against this backdrop, it examines various aspects of the era—class structure, state form, government institutions, bureaucratic administration, legal systems, political reforms, factional struggles, ethnic policies, foreign relations, and political thought—through comprehensive, multi-layered analysis, employing detailed evidence, extensive scope, fresh perspectives, and an impartial stance. By exploring the influence of Ming political operations on economic and cultural development, the book further investigates the fundamental laws of ancient Chinese social development.
This book reflects the dedication of eight domestic Ming Dynasty history experts, who devoted six years to meticulous research and rigorous academic rigor, upholding the conscience of historians. They have painted for readers a sweeping and thrilling political and social panorama of the Ming Dynasty.