On this Day in Chinese History; 25 April

This day, 25 April, in 1644, Emperor Chongzhen, also known as Ming Sizong, hanged himself, bringing about the fall of the Ming Dynasty. On the one hand, he had worked hard to govern, was thrifty, self disciplined and devoid of desire; on the other hand, he was full of suspicion, frequently replacing or executing ministers indiscriminately, causing many to even betray their relatives.