Yu Qian Defends Beijing from Mongols
1449
With the Zhengtong Emperor captured at Tumu, the Ming minister of war Yu Qian rallied the panicking capital's defense, installed the emperor's younger brother on the throne as a replacement, and repelled Esen Taishi's Mongol cavalry from Beijing's walls in days of fierce fighting. His decisive leadership saved the dynasty from collapse, but when the original emperor was restored to power years later, Yu Qian was executed for treason as reward for his trouble.
In context
Also in 1449 (3 other events on record)
- Tumu Crisis · East Asia · War
- Ulugh Beg Assassinated by His Son · Central Asia · Science
- French Recover Rouen · Europe · War
Before and after in East Asia
Before and after in War
Era
Late Middle Ages (1301–1500), one of 874 events from that era on Saeculum.