Hongwu Emperor

Ming forces under Xu Da captured the Yuan capital of Dadu (modern Beijing). The last Yuan emperor fled to the steppes. This conquest ended Mongol rule in China proper and solidified Ming control over the northern heartland.

Hongwu implemented land surveys and redistributed land from large estates to peasant farmers. He reduced taxes, promoted irrigation projects, and encouraged cultivation of wasteland. These policies revived agriculture after decades of war and famine.

Zhu Yuanzhang proclaimed himself the Hongwu Emperor in Nanjing, founding the Ming dynasty. He led rebel forces to expel the Mongol Yuan dynasty from China, restoring Han Chinese rule after nearly a century of foreign domination.

Hongwu accused Chancellor Hu Weiyong of treason and had him executed. This triggered a massive purge that killed tens of thousands of officials and their families. The emperor then abolished the position of chancellor, centralizing all power in his own hands.

Hongwu created the Jinyiwei, a secret police force under his direct control. They spied on officials, investigated corruption, and suppressed dissent. This institution became a tool of political repression, executing thousands during purges.