The Ming General Mao Wen-lung: Dynastic Decline and the Development of Military Autonomy Outside Shan-hai-kuan

FAIN: FT-14057-78

Van Jay Symons
Augustana College (Rock Island, IL 61201-2210)

To study Mao's ginseng trading activities in order to better discern the origins of the Ch’ing ginseng monopoly; and also to do research on Mao's power base, his growing independence as a frontier commander, and on the efforts made by the Ming court to curtail that autonomy. Since the development of regional independence seems endemic to China when governments are in decline, this study of Mao will broaden our understanding on this recurrent problem.