The Fall of Beijing and the Rise of the Shun Dynasty

Li Zicheng, known as the "Dashing King," led the massive peasant rebellion that brought down the Ming dynasty. Capitalizing on widespread famine and government collapse, he captured Beijing in 1644, driving the Chongzhen Emperor to suicide. Li proclaimed himself emperor of the short-lived Shun dynasty in Xi'an, but his forces were soon defeated at Shanhai Pass by the combined armies of Wu Sangui and the Qing.

Other languages