The Hongwu Emperor

The Hongwu Emperor, born Zhu Yuanzhang, was the founder and first emperor of China's Ming Dynasty (1368–1398). Rising from humble beginnings as a peasant, he led the rebellion that overthrew the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty. As emperor, he centralized power, reformed the government, and strengthened China’s borders. He promoted Confucian ideals, standardized laws, and encouraged economic recovery after centuries of turmoil. His rule established a stable and unified China, with a strong emphasis on law, order, and traditional Chinese culture. Despite his achievements, he was also known for his authoritarian style and severe methods to maintain control.