Chapter 7, Section 1. How did the various dynasties that ruled China push its development along?

Ming Dynasty rulers ran an effective government using a centralized bureaucracy staffed with officials chosen by the civil service examination system.

From the perspective of the Chinese, the Europeans were barbarians From the perspective of the Chinese, the Europeans were barbarians. The Portuguese outraged Chinese officials with their behavior. Direct trade between Europe and China remained limited. But Europeans brought ideas along that affected China.

The Qing Dynasty maintained the Ming political system, but tried to preserve their distinct identity within Chinese society. The Manchu nobility maintained large landholdings and received revenues from the state treasury. They brought the Chinese into the imperial administration to win their support.

Kangxi: Perhaps the greatest of the emperors who ruled China during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Kangxi reigned for 61 years. He calmed unrest, supported the arts and letters, and developed a trading relationship with Russia.

The Qing confined all European traders to a small island just outside Guangzhou. The British sought more favorable trade policies.

China’s population increased from 80 to 300 million between 1390 and 1800. Rural land shortages led to unrest and revolts. The government controlled commercial activity and also saw business as inferior to farming.

The ideal family unit in Qing China was the extended family The ideal family unit in Qing China was the extended family. Married women became part of their husband’s family. The elderly were held in high regard. Families were linked by a clan council of elders and common social and religious activities.

Women bound their own feet as a status symbol (they became more attractive as wives). The process, begun in childhood, was very painful. Women who had their feet bound could not walk; they were carried.

The Ming economic expansion increased standards of living, providing many Chinese with money to purchase books. The decorative arts also flourished in this period. Perhaps the most famous of all the arts of the Ming Era was blue-and-white porcelain.