Emperor Hongwu (Zhu Yuanzhang)

Emperor Hongwu, born Zhu Yuanzhang, was the founder and first emperor of China's Ming Dynasty, ruling from 1368 to 1398. Originating from a poor peasant background, he rose to power through military skill and leadership, leading a rebellion that ended the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty. As emperor, he worked to strengthen China’s stability, centralize government, and restore Confucian ideals. He implemented legal and administrative reforms, promoted agriculture, and sought to eliminate corruption. Hongwu's reign marked the beginning of a new era of Chinese sovereignty and national identity, laying the groundwork for the Ming Dynasty’s influence over China for centuries.