A Study On The Ming Dynasty And Chosun Relations Surrounding Jurchen Problems In The Years Of Ming Yongle

During the15th century, the state of affairs between Yuan and Koryo collapsed. As the Ming and Chosun dynasties began to solidify, there were many changes. Both Ming and Chosun were newly established powers, they put their focuses heavily on strengthening the borders, and Jurchen, who lived at the borders, was the reason for a conflict between two countries.In such a time of chaos, the occupied area of Jurchen was clearly void of any ruling power. As Jurchen was in a state of negligence, the Ming and Chosun planned to expand their forces into the land. Due to the Jurchen land being located on the border area between Ming and Chosun, the two dynasties began to aggressively implement policy. As the two dynasties began to surround Jurchen, the relationship between Ming and Chosun became complicated. This paper will explain the active, Jurchen policy of the Ming and Chosun from the Yongle period during early15th century. It will also explain the relationship between the two surrounding dynasties, Ming and Chosun, in the context of the Jurchen problem.This paper is consist of introduction, body, and conclusion, and the body is made of three parts.The first part of this paper will explain the Jurchen tribe as well as the Jurchen Policy implemented by the founding emperors (Tai jo) of the Ming and Chosun Dynasties. The name of the Jurchen people group depended on the location of residence. Thus, those who lived in the North Zhangbai Mountain area were called Jianzhou Jurchen, Those who lived in the area from the southern part of A’shen River to Huifa River were called Haixi Jurchen, and all of those who lived in both northern and southern parts of Heilong River were called Yeren Jurchen. Within those three were the Jianzhou Jurchen, who were located in the Tumen River Valley. As the Jianzhou Jurchen took residence in the border region between the Ming and Chosun, they had much to profit. But on the other hand, this also caused conflict between the two dynasties. During the period of HongWu, the founding emperor of the Ming, the Northern Yuan (Mongol) forces were expelled through the mobilization of a massive military. During that time, an advancement was attempted through the implementation of the Dousi(都司)and Weisuo(卫所)systems. Before the founding of Chosun, The founding emperor of Chosun sought to maintain an amicable relationship with the Jurchen in the Tumen River Valley. Seeking to absorb Jurchen into the Chosun Dynasty, the emperor expanded his territory toward the north.The second part will explore relationships among Ming, Chosun, and Jurchen in the years of Yongle. The Ming Dynasty agressively pursued conciliation with the Jurchen. As a result, there was a dispute in Jurchen jurisdiction between the Chosun Dynasty and Ming Dynasty. As a result of the Ming Dynasty Conciliatory policy, the relationship between the Jurchen and Emperor Taejong of Chosun deteriorated, which led to a shutdown in trade. Because of this, Jurchen raised a military retaliation against Chosun. In order to ease the relationship with Jurchen and to reinforce the jurisdiction over the area, at that time, the policies of two dynasties were to strengthen the jurisdiction over Jurchen, and Tong Monke Temur, the head of Odori was an important conciliatory target between Chosun and Ming. During this period, through the influence of Ming and Chosun, the Jurchen gained government offices, assistance in technological advancement, and received necessary commodities. Because of this, their influence gradually expanded.The third part explored the effect that the Ming and Chosun had on the Jurchen. The Ming expanded their jurisdiction through the Weisuo system and Jimi Policy(羁縻).Meanwhile, the Chosun practiced hard-line policy and conciliatory policy to Jurchen.Jurchen policy that Ming and Chosun used obtained expected results.