The document discusses the fall of the Yuan dynasty in the 14th century due to internal disintegration and external challenges, as well as natural disasters. It then describes how Zhu Yuanzhang, an unlikely candidate, went on to found the Ming dynasty after defeating other rebel groups, unifying China and establishing new political institutions. Finally, it outlines how Zhu Yuanzhang's son, Yongle, usurped power after a succession crisis and went on to reform the government and make Beijing the new capital city while defending China's borders.

1. A. The Calamitous fourteenth century
1. The disintegration of the Yuan political system
Disintegration from within
Challenges from outside
2. Natural disasters and calamities
3. Why did the Yuan dynasty fall?
B. Hongwu and the foundation of the Ming
1. How did the Ming dynasty came about?
Zhu Yuanzhang: an unlikely candidate
What made Zhu Yuanzhang different?
What were the main stages of Zhu’s campaign?
2. What were the main features of the new dynasty?
From Zhang Yuanzhang to Hongwu
Unifying the imperial realm
Recreating the institutions of power
Other achievements
C. Yongle's usurpation
1. The succession crisis
2. Reforming the state
3. The defense of the Chinese realm
4. Beijing : new capital

3. Zhu Yuanzhang ( 朱元璋 )
Hongwu ( 洪武帝 )