More Than the Great Wall
The Northern Frontier and Ming National Security, 1368–1644
Zusammenfassung
This groundbreaking book provides the first comprehensive analysis of Ming China’s pursuit of national security along its 1,700 miles of northern frontier. Drawing on a wealth of original sources, John Dardess vividly portrays how Ming China’s emperors, officials, and commanders in the field thought, argued, and made decisions in real time as they worked to defend their country. Despite common perceptions of the central role of the so-called Great Wall of China, Dardess convincingly shows that the wall was but a minor piece in a much bigger effort to battle Tatar looting. Dardess immerses readers in the day-to-day world of the Ming as he explores the question of how leaders kept their country safe over the 276 years the dynasty ruled.
Schlagworte
borders Ming national security Ming northern frontier Mongol Taizu Tatar Tianshun Wanli Xuande Yongle Zhengde Zhengtong Liaodong Jingtai Jiajing Great Wall of China Chenghua Hongzhi Longqing- 81–108 3 A Zenith of Peace? 81–108
- 109–156 4 Troubles Mount 109–156
- 157–180 5 Emperor in Captivity 157–180
- 181–206 6 Recuperation 181–206
- 207–218 7 A Surge in Violence 207–218
- 219–250 8 No Respite 219–250
- 251–298 9 The Stresses Intensify 251–298
- 299–358 10 A Warrior Emperor 299–358
- 359–422 11 Fortress China 359–422
- 423–430 12 Peace Dawns! 423–430
- 469–514 14 The Last Frontier 469–514
- 519–554 Notes 519–554
- 555–556 Key Sources 555–556
- 557–560 Index 557–560
- 561–561 About the Author 561–561