 A Jurchen tribal leader named Nurhaci ( r . 1616 – 26 ) , starting with just a small tribe , rapidly gained control over all the Manchurian tribes . During the Japanese invasions of Korea in the 1590s , he offered to lead his tribes in support of the Ming and Joseon army . This offer was declined , but he was granted honorific Ming titles for his gesture . Recognizing the weakness of Ming authority north of their border , he united all of the adjacent northern tribes and consolidated power in the region surrounding his homeland as the Jurchen Jin dynasty had done previously . In 1610 , he broke relations with the Ming court , and in 1618 demanded a tribute from them to redress " Seven Grievances " . 
