Forced Migration During The Ming Period

I.  When the Hongwu Emperor began his rule he pictured an empire where 20 li [12 kilometers] to be the farthest distance anyone should travel.  Despite his wishes, people were on the move during the Ming.  Many of these travelers were forced migrants who left their homes due to government orders, famine, epidemic, or violence at home. The Ming Dynasty’s involvement in forced migration changed as the period progressed and can be broken down into three stages.  

II. A. Early Ming - up to 1425

i. Massive government enforced repopulation to fallow lands in northern and central China

ii. “Military Settlements” begun on the frontiers

iii. Construction and defense of Beijing

B. Mid-Ming - 1425-1575

i.  Political criminals banished to outskirts of the empire

a. 1425: Military uprising of Xuande Emperor’s uncle.  2,200 disloyal officials banished for aiding rebel princes  

ii. Military settlements continued with increased numbers, construction of Great Wall for shelter and defense of these soldier-settlers

iii. End of lijia system and transfer to silver payments loosens farmers hold on the land

iv. Massive famines and natural disasters force people to the roads (1520’s- 50’s)

C. Late Ming - 1575-1644

i. Military settlements fail due to outside pressure and weakening power of the dynasty

ii. Rebellion and Invasion - Rebel activity and northern invaders uproot people from all walks of life

a. Ding Yaokang

b. Li Tingsheng

III. By the late Ming, governmental authority had become decentralized while growing commercial and communication ties made migration accessible to more people when hard times required it.  The extreme authority which the Hongwu and Yongle emperors had over moving their people at will gave way in the mid and late Ming.  By the end the government lacked the ability and the desire to make enforce such movements.