The Unification of the Jurchen Tribes

Nurhaci, the founder of the Later Jin Dynasty, began his ascent by systematically eliminating pro-Ming factions within the Jianzhou Jurchens. After consolidating power, he turned his attention to other Jurchen tribes allied with the Ming, particularly the Ula tribe led by Beile Bujantai. In 1612, Bujantai, fearing Nurhaci’s growing dominance, allied with the Khorchin Mongols and attacked the Hurha route under Jianzhou’s control.

Nurhaci retaliated decisively. In December 1612, he led his sons Manggūltai and Hong Taiji in a campaign against Ula. His forces advanced along the Ula River, capturing six cities and besieging the Ula stronghold. Bujantai, overwhelmed, begged for mercy. Nurhaci, recognizing the risks of overextension, temporarily withdrew—only to swiftly conquer the Hoifa tribe, cutting off Ula’s potential reinforcements.

The Fall of Ula and the Shift Toward Ming Confrontation

Bujantai, desperate after the fall of Hoifa, sought aid from the Yehe tribe. Anticipating this, Nurhaci launched a second campaign in 1613, citing Bujantai’s betrayal and alliance with Yehe as justification. The Ula forces were crushed at the Battle of Fuerha, losing 70% of their troops. Bujantai fled to Yehe, and Ula was fully absorbed into Jianzhou.

Nurhaci then demanded Yehe surrender Bujantai. When refused, he attacked Yehe in 1615, seizing seven cities and nineteen forts. However, Ming intervention forced his retreat. These conflicts solidified Nurhaci’s belief that defeating the Ming was essential for unifying the Jurchens.

The Declaration of Independence: Founding the Later Jin Dynasty

On January 1, 1616, Nurhaci declared himself Khan of the Later Jin Dynasty in Hetu Ala, renouncing Ming authority. He adopted the reign title Tianming (“Mandate of Heaven”) and established a centralized administration, including judicial and bureaucratic systems. His reforms laid the foundation for a militarized state, with officials appointed based on merit and a strict legal code.

The Seven Grievances and the Outbreak of War

In 1618, Nurhaci issued the Seven Grievances, a manifesto justifying war against the Ming. The grievances included Ming support for hostile Jurchen tribes, territorial encroachments, and the murder of his ancestors. This marked the beginning of open rebellion.

Nurhaci’s first major victory came at Fushun, where he used deception to lure Ming defenders out before overwhelming them. The fall of Fushun and subsequent battles devastated Ming forces, killing over 10,000 soldiers and capturing vast resources.

The Battle of Sarhu: A Decisive Turning Point

In 1619, the Ming launched a massive counteroffensive, mobilizing 100,000 troops in a four-pronged attack. Poor coordination, internal rivalries, and Nurhaci’s strategic brilliance led to a catastrophic Ming defeat. The Later Jin forces, though outnumbered, exploited disunity among Ming commanders—particularly Li Rubai’s refusal to support his allies—to annihilate each Ming army separately.

The Ming lost 45,870 troops and hundreds of officers, while Nurhaci secured dominance over Liaodong. The victory allowed him to annex Yehe, completing Jurchen unification.

The Legacy of Nurhaci’s Campaigns

Nurhaci’s rise reshaped Northeast Asia. His military reforms, administrative innovations, and anti-Ming stance set the stage for the Qing Dynasty’s eventual conquest of China. However, his harsh policies toward Han Chinese—including forced relocations and massacres—also sowed long-term instability.

The Later Jin’s success was not just a product of battlefield tactics but also Ming internal decay. Corruption, factionalism, and strategic blunders crippled Ming resistance. Nurhaci’s ability to exploit these weaknesses ensured his dynasty’s survival and expansion.

By the time of his death in 1626, Nurhaci had transformed a fragmented tribal confederation into a formidable empire. His legacy endured through his successors, who would eventually overthrow the Ming and establish the Qing Dynasty, ruling China for nearly three centuries.

This pivotal era demonstrates how leadership, strategy, and geopolitical opportunism can alter the course of history, leaving an indelible mark on nations and cultures.