Which of the following best explains the role external forces placed in the Ming Dynasty’s fall?(1 point) Responses The Jurchens (later known as the Manchus) eventually convinced people throughout the Ming Dynasty to end their loyalty to the emperor. The Jurchens (later known as the Manchus) eventually convinced people throughout the Ming Dynasty to end their loyalty to the emperor. The expense of fighting external forces weakened the empire as new groups, such as the Jurchen (later known as the Manchus), gained control. The expense of fighting external forces weakened the empire as new groups, such as the Jurchen (later known as the Manchus), gained control. Attacks by Japanese pirates and Koreans slowly contributed to the Ming Dynasty’s fall. Attacks by Japanese pirates and Koreans slowly contributed to the Ming Dynasty’s fall. Multiple countries assaulted the Ming empire at the same time and made it impossible for the Ming Dynasty to protect itself.

The best explanation for the role external forces played in the Ming Dynasty's fall is that the expense of fighting these forces weakened the empire, allowing new groups such as the Jurchen (later known as the Manchus) to gain control. It is important to note that attacks by Japanese pirates and Koreans also slowly contributed to the fall of the Ming Dynasty. However, the primary reason for the Ming Dynasty's downfall was the weakening of the empire due to prolonged expenses from fighting external forces, which allowed new groups to seize power. Therefore, the most appropriate response would be "The expense of fighting external forces weakened the empire as new groups, such as the Jurchen (later known as the Manchus), gained control."