The Problem with the Ming Dynasty

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“The problem with kingdoms and empires is that they are often built by powerful rulers who conquer the land by military might and eventually create a dynasty that is ruled absolutely. This is the reason why all of the empires built in the 14th and 15th centuries collapsed.” The Ming, Songhai and Mughal dynasties of the 14th and 15th centuries were all autocratic empires, absolutely ruled. They were all based on military might and absolute control, which in many cases would have lead to their demise and eventual collapse but in this essay I will explore the fact that there are many other possible catalysts to the collapse of the empires. The Mughal Empire covered northern and central India. Its court was a magnificent centre of power and luxury. The emperor, Jahangir, was an autocratic ruler who ruled over many different religious groups. The founder of the empire was Genghis Khan. The classic period of the empire started in 1556 with Alebar the Great on the throne. When there were threats by the Rajput Kingdom, Akbar subdued them. It has been stated by historians that the decline of the empire was due to depravity in high places, excessive luxury and the fact that emperors were unprepared for a challenge from the outside. It was also due to exploitation of the peasantry by the rich which stripped away the will and the means to support the regime. Also, the prosperity of the empire inspired the provinces to achieve a high degree of independence, weakening imperial rule. The empire was too far flung as a result he could not keep control over the whole empire successfully. By 1750 the Mughal Empire was in a state of collapse. Regional states emerged in India and the English East India Company that had been trading in India began to get involved in power politics. Eventually the Mughal Empire collapsed. Part of the reason for its collapse, was its autocratic
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