Ming Dynasty; Falling
The Ming Dynasty had a period of prosperity and growth, but soon after, the dynasty gradually began to weaken and decline. Internal power struggles began to develop in the late sixteenth century, which led to a period of government corruption and high taxes. Efforts to gain sole power resulted in many weak rulers who were greatly overpowered by others. Even children, who had no power, were even placed on the throne, already destined to be a failure. During the 1630's, an epidemic reduced the population in many areas, sparking a peasant revolt. The last Ming emperor hung himself from a tree in the palace gardens, the final signal of the Ming Dynasties fall.