Social Problems Of Henan Province In Late Ming Dynasty

Before the middle period of Ming Dynasty, Henan province exhibits a relative good development with its prosperous economy, rapid population growth and reclamation of wasteland and mountains. However, during the late period, with the frequent natural disasters and war, there are severe social problems in Henan district.For example, a large number of people go into exile. Large areas of land are deserted.Wars can be seen everywhere. People live in an abyss of misery.The present paper tries to make an investigation to the numerous problems illustrated above. First of all, different kinds of salient problems are described. On the one hand, small-scale and self-sufficient economy occupies a dominant position in ancient China. Therefore, natural disasters such as flood, drought and locust plague subject farmers to a deadly blow, which restrains the economic development. On the other hand, human element contributes to the economic recession. With enormous fiscal expenditure, the government has to increase extra tax to compensate military spending. People find it is extremely difficult to make a living and a large quantity of people go into exile, which leads to vast areas of wilderness. Social contradiction can’t be settled down and local administrative authorities have no ability to solve these problems. Eventually, peasant wars break out in central China.Besides, the paper makes a discussion of the measures taken by government and folks. The central government provides victims with money and food. Moreover, the government encourages people to cultivate wastelands and reconstruct water projects.Meanwhile, troops are recruited to maintain local peace. Country gentlemen and other rural forces also take the initiative to assume their responsibilities. They are engaged in charities to help people out of famine as well as in land reclamation and water conservancy projects. They also organize militiaman and servants to keep social order and make effective defense.This period is characterized by turbulence and chaos. The ruling class makes great efforts to change the situation and obtains certain achievement. However, due to increased social deterioration, official corruption, greedy emperor and poorly organized ministers, the intense ferment ultimately has not been avoided.