#253 - Ming 38; Manchus, and Pirates, and Rebels, Oh My!

The Chongzhen Emperor takes command of the Ming, but things are not going well... and they're not going to get any better. After purging his government of partisan elements, he find he's now condemned it to hopeless deadlock. Along the southern coasts, pirate fleets and Dutch privateers prowl the water, making trade all but impossible. Economic and currency woes lead, combined with repeated natural catastrophes lead to widespread banditry and rebel factions doing what they must to survive... and through it all, the Manchu threat to the north continue to press its advantage, breaking through the Great Wall, and going so far as to raid around Beijing itself! Time Period Covered: 1628-1636 Major Historical Figures: Ming Empire: The Chongzhen Emperor (Zhu Yujian) [r. 1628-1644] General Yuan Conghuan [1584-1630] Zheng Zhilong, Admiral of the South Seas [1604-1661] Grand Secretary Wen Tiren [1584-1639] Qing Dynasty: Hong Taiji (Emperor Taizong of Qing) [r. 1626-1643] Amin [1585-1640] Commander Kong Youde [d. 1562] Geng Zhongming [1604-1649] Rebels: Li Zicheng [1606-1649]