Invasion of Ming China
In retaliation for real and perceived slights, Esen Tayisi led an Oirat invasion of northern China in 1449 which culminated in the capture of the Zhengtong Emperor at Tumu. The large-scale, three-pronged invasion began in July, with Khan Togtoo-Bukha leading the easternmost force to Liaodong, the grand councillor Alag attacking Xuanfu, and Esen himself heading the troops that sacked the city of Datong in August. Another column of the Mongols invaded Ganzhou. Acting on extremely poor advice from one of his advisors, the emperor also chose to lead his own armies into battle, with disastrous consequences.
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“An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not the invasion of ideas.”
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“An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not the invasion of ideas.”
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