Defense of Beijing
1449 · Beijing · China · Early modern
Yu Qian insisted on holding firm, placed the Jingtai Emperor on the throne to steady the people, and gathered relief forces to array troops outside the nine gates to meet the enemy; after repeated assaults failed, and seeing that using Emperor Yingzong as a bargaining chip had no effect, the Oirats withdrew north.
Belligerents
Ming
- Commanders
- Yu Qian, Jingtai Emperor
- Strength
- Hastily mustered capital garrison troops and loyalist forces from the provinces
Oirats
- Commanders
- Esen
- Strength
- The Oirat army, holding Emperor Yingzong hostage, at the city walls
Background
After the Tumu Crisis, Emperor Yingzong of Ming was captured, and Esen, riding his victory, led his army straight toward Beijing; at one point some at court proposed moving the capital south.
Course of the battle
- A new emperor enthronedYu Qian forcefully rejected the proposal to move south and placed the Jingtai Emperor on the throne to steady the people.
- Troops arrayed at the nine gatesHe gathered relief forces from across the country and arrayed troops outside the nine city gates to meet the enemy.
- Oirats withdrawAfter repeated failed assaults, and unable to force peace terms by holding Emperor Yingzong hostage, the Oirats were forced to withdraw north.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1449 |
|---|---|
| Place | Beijing |
| Result | Yu Qian insisted on holding firm, placed the Jingtai Emperor on the throne to steady the people, and gathered relief forces to array troops outside the nine gates to meet the enemy; after repeated assaults failed, and seeing that using Emperor Yingzong as a bargaining chip had no effect, the Oirats withdrew north. |
| Winner | Ming |
| Casualties | The two sides clashed several times on the outskirts of the capital with losses on both sides, and the Ming army ultimately held the capital. |
| Territorial change | The Ming dynasty came through the crisis; the capital was not lost, and the court was able to continue its rule. |
Impact
It spared the Ming dynasty a repeat of the Northern Song disaster at Jingkang, and the battle made Yu Qian the key figure in saving the situation.
See the world in 1449 on the map →