In 1644, a peasant rebellion ended nearly three centuries of Ming rule

History
In 1644, a peasant rebellion ended nearly three centuries of Ming rule

After nearly 300 years of dominance, the mighty Ming dynasty collapsed in a single day when a rebel army breached Beijing, leading to a tragic end for the last Ming emperor.

In 1644, the Ming dynasty fell as peasant leader Li Zicheng led a massive rebellion into the heart of Beijing. Faced with the inevitable capture of the Forbidden City, the Chongzhen Emperor climbed Meishan Hill and took his own life.

There's more to this story — open the app to keep reading.

Continue Reading in App
1 more paragraphs · plus a 3-question quiz
Open in App

Get the full experience

Download Facts A Day