Emperor Hongwu

Emperor Hongwu was the founding ruler of China’s Ming Dynasty, reigning from 1368 to 1398. Born as Zhu Yuanzhang, he rose from humble beginnings as a peasant and monk, leading a rebellion against the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty. He established a centralized, strong government with strict laws and military discipline, promoting stability and order. Hongwu aimed to restore traditional Chinese values and governance, emphasizing Confucian principles. His reign marked the beginning of a prosperous era in Chinese history, laying the foundation for future Ming rulers and significantly shaping China's political and cultural landscape.