A Study Of Wokou In Ming Dynasty From The Perspective Of Maritime History

Based on the historical logic of maritime history,the article inspects Wokou intrusion status in Yueqing specifically.During the period of Hongwu,Yueqing was invaded fewer and weaker.But during the period of Yongle,the coastal relaxation made Wokou have an opportunity to invade Yueqing.During the late period of Jiajing,Wokou have invaded Yueqing for almost twenty years and a lot of places were destroyed.In order to resist the harassment of Wokou,government has built a tight defense system in early Ming Dynasty,giving the invader serious damage.By 16th Century,with the discovery of the New Route,a large number of Chinese goods had entered Europe continuously,greatly stimulating the greed of the Western colonial genes.Japan was on the eve of the feudal unity at the same time,with the cutting melee of princes and the displacing of people.Driven by the interests,Japanese businessmen seized this opportunity to rob the rich coast area in southeast China with warriors and refugees.In 16th Century of China,marine trade has developed rapidly,and the power of private maritime group was expanded.At the same time,the annexation of land also led a large number of refugees emerged,the coastal people had to become Wokou.But the Ming government did not take active measures to the changing situation.On the contrary,it totally forbade marine trade and violated the international trade requirements.The attitude and behavior provoked more strong resistance.But during the period,there is weak military equip and controlling method in Yueqing.And coastal defense system tended to collapse,making Wokou commit rampantly during the period of Jiajing.According to this situation,on the one hand,the government strengthened the Yueqing coastal defense force,and promoted the recruitment system in order to improve the combat effectiveness of the armed forces,and strengthened the regulation of city defense in Yueqing.On the other hand,the people of Yueqing took the initiative to fight against Wokou and villagers also built castle spontaneously to defend themselves.With the combination of united behaviors of the government and the folk,this fight got the final victory.