The Longqing Switch was a political event in the Ming Dynasty of China, which occurred between 1573 AD and 1578 AD. It marked a major turning point in Ming Dynasty politics and had a profound impact on Chinese history. This article will explore how long the Longqing Switch lasted.

I. The Cause of the Longqing Switch

The cause of the Longqing Switch was Emperor Mingmu Zong Zhu Zaihou's excessive trust and indulgence of eunuch power. During the Longqing period, eunuch power reached its peak, as they held a great amount of wealth and power, even interfering with the imperial authority. This caused dissatisfaction and opposition from scholars, who began to initiate a series of political struggles.

II. The Process of the Longqing Switch

The process of the Longqing Switch can be divided into three stages:

1. Opposition to Eunuchs: From the second year of Longqing (1574) to the third year of Longqing (1575), scholars began to oppose the eunuch regime, organizing a series of protests demanding the abolition of eunuch privileges. These activities received some official support but were suppressed by the eunuchs.

2. The Struggle to Depose Eunuchs: From the fourth year of Longqing (1576) to the fifth year of Longqing (1577), scholars continued to oppose the eunuch regime, launching demonstrations and strikes demanding the deposition of eunuch power. These activities gained more support from officials and the people, ultimately leading to the deposition of the eunuchs.

3. Political Reconstruction: From the sixth year of Longqing (1578) to the eighth year of Longqing (1580), the Ming government began political reconstruction, implementing a series of reform measures to strengthen centralization, weaken local influence, and improve official quality. These measures contributed to the restoration of political stability and social order.

III. How Long Did the Longqing Switch Last?

The Longqing Switch lasted for five years, from 1573 AD to 1580 AD. During this period, the Ming government experienced a dramatic political transformation that had a profound impact on Chinese history. Although the Longqing Switch did not completely solve the political problems of the Ming Dynasty, it provided a reference for later political system reforms, promoting the progress and development of Chinese history.

　　Disclaimer: The above content is sourced from the internet and the copyright belongs to the original author. If there is any infringement of your original copyright, please inform us and we will delete the relevant content as soon as possible.