Question

Which of the following statements best interprets why the ming dynasty fell?

1) The Ming Empire was overwhelmed by attacks from outside countries and could not fight back.
2) Inflation became too high and made it challenging for people to keep their living standards.
3) A combination of internal and external forces weakened the Ming Dynasty over time.
4) People came to believe that the emperor was no longer blessed by the gods and should not rule.

Answer 1

The Ming Dynasty fell due to a combination of high court expenditures, heavy taxation, internal rebellions, and external pressures from invaders, such as the Manchus who founded the Qing Dynasty.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fall of the Ming Dynasty can be attributed to internal strife, economic hardship, and external pressure.

High court expenditures, self-defense costs against the Mongols and Manchus, and heavy taxation led to widespread discontent and rebellion.

Simultaneously, natural disasters, inflation, and famines exacerbated the citizens' plight. While the Ming initially resisted foreign trade influences, eventually they engaged with Europeans and reaped economic benefits, though not sufficiently to prevent the dynasty's downfall.

The mounting internal pressures compromised the Ming's ability to defend against invaders, resulting in the Manchu-led establishment of the Qing Dynasty in 1644.