Ming & Qing Dynasties

Ming Dynasty 1368-1644

Ming Dynasty 1368-1644 The end of the Yuan saw rapid inflation, corruption of the Tibetan clergy who controlled the Chinese clergy and interfered in political affairs, and rebellions of the exploited Chinese population against Mongol and other foreign officials. One of the rebellions attracted the poor monk Zhu Yuanzhang (1328-1398) who later became the head of a rebel army and successfully fought against the Mongols as well as other contenders for power. He founded the Ming dynasty and became known as Emperor Hongwu.

Ming Dynasty 1368-1644 Founded by a peasant, Zhu Yuanzhang (1328-1398) aka Emperor Hongwu

Hongwu Led revolt against the Yuan Dynasty Paranoid by end of rule Creates laws to improve peasant lives Didn’t encourage trade Strict Confucian Increases status of military/ strengthens the military Centralizes government- eliminates high officials and replaces with mandarins and eunuchs

Yonglo (The Yongle Emperor): Hongwu’s son Moves the capital to Beijing Launches exploration 7 voyages under Zheng He, Muslim Admiral 1st in 1405 Voyages end due to influence of officials worried about barbarians to the north and cost 1433 China withdrawals into isolation

Late Ming Jesuits- Matteo Ricci - 1500’s Tries to convert Emperor Wanli Pope and Emperor hinder efforts

Rise of Qing Qing- pure Qing were Manchus, not Han Chinese 17th century expansion

Rise of Qing 1644- control Beijing 1644-90- South China and Taiwan 1690-1750- Central Asia- largest country in the world Rise of Qing

Qing Political Organization Separation of Manchu and Han All high government positions to the Manchus No intermarriage is allowed Han had to adopt the Manchu haircut as a sign of submission. “Queue” front and top shaved and grown long in back Han scholar gentry still in bureaucracy Civil Service Exams become more competitive

Qing Political Organization Very Centralized Government Emperor becomes known as “Son of Heaven” Secluded life “Theater State”- ritual, pomp, emphasizes glory of ruler

Two Important Qing Emperors Kangxi (1661-1722)- talented general, expands empire, manages economy well Qianlong (1736-1795)- ECONOMY!!! Cancels tax collection four times during his rule China is well organized with an influence in most of Asia after these two emperors

Economy Under the Qing Based on agriculture Intensive, high yield methods Rice, Millet, Wheat Enhanced by American crops by way of the Philippines- Maize, Sweet Potatoes, Peanuts Made use of previously unusable land Leads to population growth Supports a large labor force and trade Trade Chinese luxury goods for American Silver Silk, Porcelain, Tea Focus on human labor for production Ignores technology in preference for human labor

Social Aspects of the Qing Dynasty Increase in patriarchy during Qing Preference for male children- exam system Widows encouraged to commit suicide Foot binding becomes more popular Women can not divorce, but men can for adultery or disobedience

Foot Binding

Foot Binding