Ming Dynasty Governance and Society

The video discusses the return of the scholar gentry during the Ming Dynasty, founded by Hongwu. It highlights Hongwu's distrust of existing scholars, his reforms to centralize power, and the revival of Confucian values through the civil service exam. The video also covers the rise of neo-Confucianism, emphasizing patriarchy and social hierarchy, and the persistent social divide between scholars and peasants despite Hongwu's efforts.

Who was responsible for the establishment of the Ming Dynasty?

• Kublai Khan

• Yongle

• Genghis Khan

• Hongwu

What significant change did Hongwu make to the Chinese government structure?

• He increased the number of chief ministers.

• He abolished the position of chief ministers.

• He introduced a new tax system.

• He expanded the military.

What was the primary reason for Hongwu's distrust of the current scholars?

• Their potential for corruption.

• Their lack of education.

• Their foreign origins.

• Their military background.

What was a method used by Hongwu to prevent nepotism in the administration?

• He implemented a lottery system for positions.

• He increased salaries to reduce corruption.

• He made the emperor's wife come from a humble family.

• He banned family members from working together.

How did Hongwu ensure the integrity of the civil service exam?

• By reducing the number of exams.

• By placing testers in guarded rooms with watch towers.

• By allowing open book exams.

• By making it easier to pass.

What was the frequency of the first level civil service exam under Hongwu?

• Every five years.

• Two out of three years.

• Once a decade.

• Every year.

What was a key feature of Neo-Confucianism during the Ming Dynasty?

• Promotion of gender equality.

• Focus on economic reforms.

• Emphasis on the subordination of students to teachers.

• Encouragement of social mobility.

What role did women have in Neo-Confucian society?

• They were leaders in government.

• They were given equal rights as men.

• They were expected to be subservient to their husbands.

• They were encouraged to pursue education.

What was a consequence of the scholar gentry not being heavily taxed?

• A more balanced economy.

• A growing wealth gap between the rich and the poor.

• A decrease in wealth for the scholar gentry.

• Increased social mobility.

What was a major challenge faced by Hongwu in addressing social issues?

• Lack of resources.

• Resistance from the military.

• Inability to reduce the wealth gap.

• Opposition from foreign powers.