During the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) was when much most of the wall was added. The Mind dynasty suffered from their attackers the Dadan, Nuzhen, and Tufan tribes. The Ming court built a lot more walls in the north as an attempt to keep out the attacking tribes. They built the walls much more elaborate and durable than the Qin Dynasty. There were many walls, fortresses, and watch towers along the wall which made the country more successful. Even with all the new construction on the wall the Ming dynasty was defeated by the Oirats in the battle of Tumu in the year 1449. The Ming dynasty had failed to keep the Mongolian and Manchurian tribes under control and it had weakened the Ming Empire. After the Mings loss in this battle they built more walls to make them less vulnerable if they were attacked. Towards the end of the Ming dynasty the Great Wall helped a lot to defend them from the Manchu invaders.
