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Red Turban Field Army Corps

Type Object Region China Time 1361–1368

Main land-force formations of late-Yuan rebel powers in the Jianghuai and Huguang theaters, combining infantry, cavalry, and early firearms.

Timeline

  1. 1361–1362Huguang · HuguangZhu Yuanzhang, Chen Youliang, Zhang Shicheng, and other regional powers each raised field army corps of tens of thousands of infantry and cavalry, organized into banner companies, archers, sword-and-buckler troops, and early firearm units, contesting cities and grain routes in Jianghuai and Huguang.
  2. 1363Poyang Lake · JiangxiZhu Yuanzhang and Chen Youliang each led field army corps into a decisive battle at Poyang Lake, with infantry, firearms, and tower ships operating together; Chen was defeated and killed, and the strongest Red Turban corps shifted to Zhu Yuanzhang's camp, turning the balance decisively.
  3. 1366–1368Dadu · North ChinaAfter defeating Zhang Shicheng, Fang Guozhen, and others and consolidating the Red Turban field army corps, Zhu Yuanzhang sent Xu Da and Chang Yuchun on the northern expedition; Emperor Shun of Yuan fled north. Field army experience was absorbed into the early Ming guard system, closing the land-war phase of the late Yuan peasant wars.

Sources