Requires glue and paint to be completed (not included). Zhu Yuanzhang, also known as Emperor Hongwu (ruled 1368 - 1398), was the founder of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). He was born a peasant, became a monk, then a rebel leader, and finally the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty. A bloody rebellion started in 1351 against the Mongol Warlords that were terrorizing China. Zhu Yuanzhang first joined a local rebel group, later joining the larger Red Turban army. As a skilled leader, he rose quickly and then became the leader of the large Red Turban rebel army before he was 30. In 1356, Zhu's army conquered Nanjing. This was a very important city that was strategically located so that he could control part of the Yangtze River and the region south of it. He made Nanjing his capital. A talented warlord and administrator, he managed to unite the whole country and became the first emperor of the Ming dynasty which ruled china between 1368 and 1644.