Tang Dynasty Longwu Army

The Longwu Army was the military force established under the Tang Dynasty loyalist regime led by the Longwu Emperor during the early years of the Southern Ming period, after the fall of the Ming capital to the Qing in 1644. Formed in the Fujian region, this army was composed of Ming loyalists, regional militias, and remnants of imperial forces determined to resist Qing conquest. Though bearing the imperial title of Tang in honor of their Han heritage and the legitimacy of the Southern Ming, the Longwu regime and its army were largely symbolic of the crumbling Ming resistance. The Longwu Army, though spirited and loyal, was poorly supplied and lacked the unified command necessary to confront the organized and well-equipped Qing forces. Despite several attempts to rally support and retake territory, their efforts were ultimately crushed by a swift Qing offensive. The capture and execution of the Longwu Emperor marked the tragic end of the movement.

The Longwu Army was determined, underfunded, and outmatched. They fought for the restoration of the fallen Ming. Their cause symbolized loyalty amidst collapse. Regional warlords and local elites formed much of their strength. Qing forces quickly overwhelmed their resistance. The Longwu Army died defending an empire already lost.