I. Introduction

The Ming Dynasty is an important dynasty in Chinese history, and the Longqing Switch Event is considered as the fuse that led to the fall of the Ming Dynasty. However, there has been controversy in the historical academic community regarding whether the Longqing Switch really caused the downfall of the Ming Dynasty. This article aims to explore this issue by analyzing relevant historical materials.

II. Background and Course of the Longqing Switch Event

1. Overview of the Longqing Switch Event

The Longqing Switch refers to an event during the reign of the 14th emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Jiajing, when due to dissatisfaction with the Grand Councilor Zhang Cong, he was placed under house arrest and his official position was revoked by an imperial edict. Subsequently, Zhang Cong united with other officials to launch a rebellion, known as the "Longqing Internal Rebellion".

2. Impact of the Longqing Switch Event

The Longqing Internal Rebellion further destabilized the political situation in the Ming Dynasty. At the same time, the rebellious actions of Zhang Cong and his allies also alerted the royal family and powerful officials. These events may have accelerated the decline of the Ming Dynasty's political system, paving the way for the later invasion of the Manchu Qing Dynasty.

III. Historical Records of the Longqing Switch Event

1. Records in the "History of the Ming Dynasty"

The "History of the Ming Dynasty" is an official history book compiled during the Qing Dynasty, providing detailed records of the Ming Dynasty's history. Regarding the Longqing Switch Event, the book states: "(Jiajing) in his later years, Zhang Cong and others, under the guise of accusing Wei Zhongxian, attempted to overthrow the cabinet. When their plan failed, they plotted rebellion." This indicates that the Longqing Switch Event did occur.

2. Records in the "Chronicles of the Late Ming Dynasty"

The "Chronicles of the Late Ming Dynasty" is a book that depicts the history of the late Ming Dynasty, written by the historian Tan Qian during the transition period from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. In his book, Tan Qian mentions the impact of the Longqing Switch Event on the Ming Dynasty's politics: "From then on, the upper and lower classes disintegrated, and there were many troubles within the country." This suggests that the Longqing Switch Event indeed brought severe political crises to the Ming Dynasty.

IV. Conclusion

In summary, there are indeed historical records regarding the Longqing Switch Event. However, there is still controversy among scholars regarding whether this event really led to the downfall of the Ming Dynasty.

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