The Shun Dynasty was an imperial dynasty created in the brief lapse from Ming to Qing rule in China. The dynasty was founded in Xi'an on 8 February 1644, the first day of the lunar year, by Li Zicheng, the leader of a large peasant rebellion. Li, however, only went by the title of King, not Emperor.
The capture of Beijing by the Shun forces in April 1644 marked the end of the Ming dynasty, but Li Zicheng failed to solidify his mandate: in late May 1644, he was defeated at the Battle of Shanhai Pass by the joint forces of Ming general Wu Sangui and Manchu prince Dorgon. When he fled back to Beijing in early June, Li finally proclaimed himself Emperor of China and left the capital in a hurry. The Shun dynasty ended with Li's death in 1645. After the Shun Dynasty was created, Li Zicheng ordered the soldiers to kill the Ming remnants still existing in Beijing. This resulted in strong rebellions from the forces of Southern Ming. In addition with the Shun ministers constantly fighting for power, the dynasty effectively lasted less than a year. Generals and Ministers :
- Niu Jinxing : Prime Minister
- Gu Jun'en : staff
- Li Yan : staff
- Song Xiance : staff
- Liu Zongmin : general
- Yuan Zongti
- Tian Jianxiu
- Hao Yaoqi : general
- Li Guo : general
- Gao Jie : general
- Lady Gao (Gao Guiying : Li Zicheng's wife)
- Li Zicheng : general
- Xi'an ( 1644 )
- Beijing ( 1644 - June 5, 1644 )
- Chinese
- Buddhism,
- Taoism,
- Confucianism,
- Chinese folk religion
- Monarchy
- Li Zicheng 1644 - 1646
- Xi'an 8 February 1644
- Beijing 1644
- Fall of Beijing June 5, 1644
- Li Zicheng was killed 1645