Hongwu was the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty in China, reigning from 1368 to 1398. Born as Zhu Yuanzhang, he rose from humble beginnings as an orphaned peasant to become a military leader. After defeating the Yuan Dynasty, he established the Ming Dynasty, which marked a significant shift in Chinese history. During his reign, Hongwu implemented various reforms to strengthen the central government and improve agricultural production. He emphasized Confucian values, promoted education, and reduced taxes for farmers. His policies laid the groundwork for a prosperous era in Chinese history, influencing governance for generations to come.