Final answer:
The Yuan and Ming dynasties both had periods of economic success, yet differed in governance, with the foreign-ruled Yuan contrasting the ethnic Chinese-led Ming. The Ming generally had more influence due to cultural advancements and longer rule.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Yuan and Ming dynasties both ruled China and made significant impacts on its history, but there were noticeable differences in their governance and legacy. The Yuan Dynasty, established by the Mongols, was unique in that it was the first time the Chinese state was entirely ruled by non-Chinese leaders. This era saw significant changes in government structures and policies, mainly influenced by Mongol culture and administrative systems. In contrast, the Ming Dynasty marked a return to ethnic Chinese rule and a reinstatement of Confucian administrative practices.
One of the key similarities between the two dynasties was their economic success. Both dynasties saw the flourishing of trade and manufacturing, with the Yuan benefiting from being part of the larger Mongol Empire and its trade networks, while the Ming Dynasty fostered economic growth through internal trade and advances in agriculture. However, in terms of foreign policy, the Ming Dynasty had a more complex approach, with significant debates over the value of foreign trade, contrasting the Yuan Dynasty's more open policies facilitated by the extensive Mongol network.
Considering impact, many would argue that the Ming Dynasty had a greater effect on China due to its longer duration and substantial cultural legacies, including advancements in the arts, literature, and monumental population surveys like the Yellow Register Archives. The legacy of Ming porcelain, literature, and the reinforcement of Confucian bureaucracy are still recognized today as significant contributions to Chinese history.