Chenghua Emperor

Reign: 1464 – 1487
Life: 1447–1487

Zhu Jianshen was born during his father's first reign. When he was only two years old, Mongol forces captured his father during the Battle of Tumu Fortress, and his uncle ascended the throne as the Jingtai Emperor. During this time, Zhu Jianshen was appointed heir to the throne, but his uncle later removed him from the position. During the initial years of his reign, he implemented a new policy that included tax cuts and a focus on strengthening the state's power, but as time passed, the positive impact of these changes diminished.

During Chenghua Emperor's reign, Louis XI of France ruled France, Afonso V of Portugal ruled Portugal, and Mehmed II ruled Ottoman Empire.

Want to learn more? Further reading

China: A History by John Keay

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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