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—such as class structure, state form, government institutions, bureaucratic administration, legal systems, political reforms, factional struggles, ethnic policies, foreign relations, and political thought—through comprehensive and multi-layered perspectives, employing detailed evidence, extensive coverage, fresh insights, and an impartial stance. By analyzing the influence of Ming political operations on economic and cultural development, the book further explores 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, with various contradictions intensifying in political struggles. This is how Chinese society developed and advanced. The Ming Dynasty was the late stage of feudal society in China, a transitional period that bridged the past and the future. During its political development, the struggle between old and new contradictions was both tense and full of tension. On one hand, there was an unprecedented strengthening of autocratic centralism, while on the other hand, 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, using this as a backdrop. With detailed evidence, extensive coverage, fresh perspectives, and an impartial stance, it comprehensively and multi-layeredly examines all aspects of the era, including class structure, state form, government institutions, bureaucratic administration, legal systems, political reforms, factional struggles, ethnic policies, foreign relations, and political thought. By analyzing the influence of Ming political operations on economic and cultural development, the book further explores the fundamental laws of ancient Chinese social development.
This book reflects the dedication of eight domestic Ming Dynasty history experts, who spent six years honing their research and meticulously compiling the material. Upholding the conscience of historians and adhering to rigorous academic standards, they have painted for readers a magnificent and thrilling picture of the political landscape of the Ming Dynasty.