A. The Calamitous fourteenth century1. The disintegration of the Yuan political systemDisintegration from withinChallenges from outside2. Natural disasters and calamities3. Why did the Yuan dynasty fall? 

B. Hongwu and the foundation of the Ming1. How did the Ming dynasty came about?Zhu Yuanzhang: an unlikely candidateWhat made Zhu Yuanzhang different?What were the main stages of Zhu’s campaign?2. What were the main features of the new dynasty?From Zhang Yuanzhang to HongwuUnifying the imperial realmRecreating the institutions of powerOther achievements 

C. Yongle's usurpation1. The succession crisis2. Reforming the state3. The defense of the Chinese realm4. Beijing : new capital

Zhu Yuanzhang ( 朱元璋 )

Hongwu ( 洪武帝 )