The Brilliant Downfall (Ming) Essay

Submitted By 1hermajesty1
Words: 351
Pages: 2
Open Document
The Brilliant Downfall
Throughout Chinese history eunuchs have been regarded as pitiful and cowardly beings. It wasn’t until later on that eunuchs became influential factors in the Chinese government. They began to influence an emperor’s judgment, decisions, and lifestyle. But no one like Wei Zhongxian who immediately began to ingratiated himself with those of authority to obtain power in the Chinese court. His eminent power from rise to fall illustrated the Ming Dynasty inevitably decline. Through corruption Wei Zhongxain was capable of establishing a political dominance inside and outside of the palace. He was also able to wield power more efficiently than the emperor himself. By dominating and controlling government officials to his favor the Ming Dynasty was exposed as weak and would inevitably fall.
At the start of Ming Xizong rule Wei Zhongxian secured his position in the palace and quickly deposed of his enemies who opposed against his growing power inside the palace. He removed them from their positions only to ensure loyal officials under his authority. In addition, Zhongxain also influenced the emperor by leading him to dissipations “… such as sex, music, hunting, and gambling…” (The Rise and Fall of Wei Zhongxian). As a result, he was able to keep the emperor busy meanwhile he grew in strength. After the upbringing of the Grand Eunuch he deposed of more opponents and ordered for more severe punishments towards them such as exile and death. His power was
Show More

Related Documents: The Brilliant Downfall (Ming) Essay

Essay about MyNotes-15

Chapter 15 Notes The West and the Changing World Balance I. Introduction A. 1400 – world in period of transition 1. Downfall of Arab caliphate 2. Spread of Mongols 3. Who would take new international trade role? Maybe China? B. But…Enter the Europeans – finally, they’ve been behind everyone for 8000 years 1. Italy, Spain, Portugal took leadership role 2. Americas couldn’t respond to European invasions C. Key question – why did different civilizations react differently?…

Words 1332 - Pages 6

Essay on Confucianism vs Legalism

Chen Hanyu A0110820B Tutorial D5 Question 1: Introduction For this paper, I will be discussing two opposing ideologies, Confucianism and Legalism. Towards the later part of ancient China (e.g Han dynasty), states started to adopt a mixture of Confucianism and Legalistic ideology. Why did Legalism and Confucianism fall off? In this paper I will explore and provide my own insights on the shortcomings of both ideologies; how Legalism was more persuasive in getting people to accept their ideas and…

Words 2462 - Pages 10