Download China - My CCSD

China
1300-1900
The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
How & why did the Chinese regain China?
-
From 1279-1368 the Yuan Dynasty (AKA the Mongols) ruled China
Mongol overlords ignored the political and cultural heritage of China
FOR EXAMPLE: They rejected the civil service exam, dismissed Confucian scholars and
forbid intermarriage
They also forbid the Chinese from learning the Mongol language
Meaning: The Chinese despised the Mongols, therefore when the Mongo decline began
in the 14th century they relished the opportunity to overthrow them
How did that decline begin?
-
1st Economic decline: The Yuan Dynasty continued the printing of paper money, however
they did not have enough silver bullion to back it up
This caused inflation as the treasury declined
2nd Political conflict: Starting in the 1320s internal conflict led to their decline in China
3rd The bubonic plague: The Mongol relied on trade for economic sufficiency
Meaning: When the plague broke out in the 1330s, in southwestern China it quickly
spread all of China and central Asia
By the 1340s it reached all the way to southwest Asia and Europe;
Meaning: it killed up to half of the population, therefore it caused economic decline as
well
4th Chinese rebellion began due to the conflict above; as a result the Mongols lost control
of China in 1368
The Ming Restored political stability in China
-
The expulsion of the Mongols from China in 1368 ushered in a new period of peace and
prosperity for China under the Ming ("brilliant") Dynasty
The Major goal of the Ming was to restore traditional Chinese values
The early Ming emperors revived Chinese power and wealth through their foreign,
governmental, and economic policies
FOR EXAMPLE: They restored Confucian principles, built a strong centralized state and
restored the civil service examination
What about foreign policy?
-
In the realm of foreign policy, several strong emperors aggressively extended Chinese
power to the old borders of the Han Empire
Not surprisingly, the Ming Dynasty was especially concerned with the threat of the
northern nomads who recently humiliated China.
Meaning: Therefore, they put forth a tremendous effort to subdue the nomads (with very
limited success) and partially restored the Great Wall
Remember when the Great Wall construction began
-
During the Qin dynasty during the 4th century BCE
The Ming Centralized and fortified their rule
-
The fortifications around the first capital, Nanjing, were 60 feet high and extended in a
perimeter 20 miles long
the most massive urban fortifications in the world in 1421, the Ming moved the capital to
Beijing, only 40 miles from the northern frontier in order to keep a better eye on nomadic
movements
What was Beijing Like?
-
Beijing itself became a magnificent city with 40-foot high walls around a perimeter of 14
miles
Central to the capital was the emperor's palace complex, known as the Forbidden City
How did it differ from the western world?
-
-
Unlike Western architecture, which reaches ever skyward away from earth, as seen in
Gothic cathedrals and skyscrapers,
Chinese architecture aims for a more balanced and harmonious effect in the true Taoist
spirit
The Forbidden City especially shows this, being spread out on a broad horizontal plane
under the overarching dome of the blue sky, which counterbalances the effect of the high
roofs of many of the government buildings and palaces
The overall effect is one of horizontal stability, emphasizing the permanence of the
regime of the Son of Heaven (Chinese emperor)
Transition from Mongol rule to Ming rule
-
-
-
The Ming reversed the unpopular policies of the Mongols and reinstated the system of
civil service exams for selecting officials
Meaning: The Mandarins prominence in Chinese society was restored
They also retained the other features of government used by previous dynasties
For Example: the Six Ministries and the Censorate
The Censorate was largely concerned with preventing corruption and abuses by sending
traveling censors to the provinces to hear complaints and investigate the conduct of local
magistrates
Since the censors had little protection against such reprisals, they often shrank from
doing their jobs properly However, the overall effect of Ming policies was to provide fair
and efficient, though strict, government
Foreign Policy:
Between 1405 and 1433, no less than seven major expeditions were launched under the
command of the admiral, Zheng He (1371-c.1434)
Extensive maritime expeditions into Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, and as far as East
Africa and Arabia, were another feature of the early Ming period Some of Zheng He's
expeditions comprised over 25,000 men sailing in ships that were 400 feet long, many times
larger than anything Europe, just then embarking on its age of exploration, could put into the
water. The purpose of these expeditions is not entirely clear, probably being more to display
Chinese power and influence than cultivate trade, although profitable trade was certainly
carried on, especially in fine porcelain, which we today still call china
Ming economic policies
-
Dikes and canals were repaired, while extensive land reclamation program was instituted
Some regions of China were totally depopulated from earlier Mongol depredations and
neglect
MEANING: To rebuild the Chinese economy
The government offered tax exemptions lasting several years to any peasants who
moved into the ruined areas
What was the result of this policy?
-
It increased agricultural production
Meaning: A surplus of food, led to increased support for the urban population therefore;
That policy effectively revived much of China
Another policy:
-
Another policy was to encourage extensive reforestation, probably for shipbuilding
purposes, although palm, mulberry, and lacquer trees were also planted for other
economic purposes
Meaning:
-
As a result of the Ming Dynasty's policies, China was again a strong and prosperous
empire, making it the dominant political and cultural power in East Asia
The rise of culture:
-
- China's cultural vibrancy can be seen in several aspects of the Ming era:
1. Architecture flourished, as the Chinese constructed arched bridges and tall pagodas with
graceful curved roofs
- As stated above, the setting of these buildings in broad horizontal planes provided a more
balanced effect than the lofty spires of cathedrals one found in Europe at that time
2. Chinese science and technology at this time was largely bound up with newcomers from
the West
- The expulsion of the Mongols in 1368 effectively cut China off from the West for nearly two
centuries
- FOR EXAMPLE: After the Zheng HE expeditions (which concluded in 1433) The Ming
government wanted to limit outside foreign influence
However, because of the globalization and of trade and Missionary work China was not
totally closed off:
FOR EXAMPLE:
-
In the 1500's, the Portuguese and then the Spanish arrived in China by sea
Why
-
Most of China's contact with the West at this time was through the Jesuits who skillfully
presented Christianity in Confucian terms in order to gain entrance into China and win
converts to their faith
Why was Christianity accepted in the Ming Dynasty?
-
Ironically, the Jesuit leader, Matteo Ricci, won court favor by presenting the emperor with
a wind-up clock, which, of course, was ultimately derived from the Chinese water clock
He kept in their good graces by keeping the key, so he would be summoned to court
each week to rewind the clock
How did this lead to cultural diffusion between western Europe and China
-
-
Over time, the Jesuits provided the Chinese with a good idea of the state of Western
science and technology, especially in the areas of mathematics, cartography, astronomy,
and artillery
Europe learned a great deal from China as well, such as the idea for its first suspension
bridge, built in Austria in 1741
over 1000 years after the first such bridge had been built in China
What events led to the end of the Ming Dynasty?
1. The end of Zheng He expeditions deprived the government of vital trade revenues
2. The later Ming emperors lost interest in government, retreating to the comfort and
pleasures of the Forbidden City and allowing abuses and corruption to multiply in the
provinces
3. During this time, a famine hit China; the government was unable to organize relief
efforts; which led to peasant revolts in the 1630s
4. At the same time, the practice of making military offices hereditary led to the gradual
deterioration of the army
5. Together, these factors weakened China and encouraged a growing number of peasant
rebellions, attacks by nomads in the North, and raids from pirates in Japanese and
Chinese ports
6. In 1644, another northern people, the Manzhou from Manchuria, replaced the Ming
Dynasty and founded a foreign, and China's last, dynasty
The rise of the Qing Dynasty
1644-1911
Who are the Manchus?
-
The originally were a pastoral nomadic group that settled in southern Manchuria (which is north of
China)
They clashed with the Chinese over land and resources since Qin times; do you remember when
that was (221 BCE-207 BCE)
Where are the Qing (AKA Manchus) from
-
The Southern part of Manchuria
How did the Qing come into power?
-
During the period from 1616-1626 Manchurian tribes were centralized into one state
From 1620-1630 Manchurians started to expand; by taking over Korea and Mongolia
They also started small invasions into China; as time progressed the envisioned taking control
China
Remember what events led to the end of the Ming
-
During this time, a famine hit China; the government was unable to organize relief efforts;
which led to peasant revolts in the 1630s
At the same time:
-
The Manchus entered into China; rebel forces overtook the Ming in 1644
What does this have to do with the Manchus?
-
The Manchus helped defeat the rebels who overran the Ming
Meaning: The portrayed themselves as avengers who destroyed the rebels
By 1680, they gained control of China… How?
1. They used their effective military
2. They gained the support of Ming military generals that despised the corruption (that
developed in 17th century China)
3. They also gained support from Confucian scholars
-
They took control of China and ruled it until 1911
How were the Manchus in comparison to the Mongols?
Similarities:
-
They both protected their cultural identity
FOR EXAMPLE: they outlawed intermarriage, forbid Chinese from traveling to China, and
from learning the Manchurian language
They also forced the men to shave the front of their heads and grow a Manchurian style
beard (to show submission)
However:
Differences:
-
The Qing dynasty in order to keep the peace adopted Chinese culture into their rule
FOR EXAMPLE: they adopted Confucian principles, the restored the civil service
examination (remember which dynast it started under: the Han)
They also restored the concept of Filial Piety (which was respect for one’s elders)
Economic and Social Society under the Ming and Qing
-
The basic foundation was still the family and its makeup was still patriarchal
It centered around the concept of filial piety; at the center was the father
As stated above, Confucian principles were used; hence the five relationships
Gender relationships
-
As in earlier times the females were totally subordinate to males and males were
preferred over females
Marriage was a contractual agreement; females could not divorce their husbands
Main responsibility of the female was to continue the male linage
Why:
-
Males took the civil service examinations; Meaning they could bring wealth and prestige
to the family name (upon their success on the exams of course)
Foot binding:
-
Foot binding became popular again(remember which dynasty it began under: the Song)
Economic Development:
-
The foundation of their economy was agriculture; as in other societies agriculture will
support a highly commercialized society
By the 17th century, Spanish merchants coming from the Philippines (remember the
DBQ) introduced Maize, peanuts, sweet potatoes
Meaning: better and enriched diet; Meaning: population growth; FOR EXAMPLE: China
population = 100 million in 1500; 1600 160 million; 225 million by 1750
How did this demographic shift transform China?
1. Per captia income went down
2. agricultural production could not keep up with the population
However:
-
The growing population offered new commercial activities
With the growing population it provided a large work force; which means cheap labor
Plus with the discovery of the Americas in the 15th century silver flowed into China
Meaning: even with the limited access to European powers; the currency provided
commercialization of China (by way of the Philippines)
Global impact of silver (during the Qing Dynasty)
-
With the flow of silver it brought economic prosperity to China
Trade started between China and the Indian Ocean, central Asia and Europe
The key industries that profited were silk, porcelain, lacquerware, and tea
They (China) received mostly silver bullion in return
The Qing government kept tight control over foreign trade
After 1680, two ports Guangzhou and Macau were open to European merchants
Technology:
-
UNLIKE TANG & SONG times, the government did not invest in technology
Instead they adopted European technology; such as cannons and firearms (which
originated in China)
Why was this?
-
The Tang and Song rulers promoted innovation and technology; for economic gain and
military strength
Meaning: they needed to stay ahead of the curve
Whereas; the Ming and Qing favored political & social stability
What was the end result?
-
It ensured that China would fall behind Europeans (as far innovation was concerned)
Meaning: In the 19th century, European imperialism would rule the day in China
Social class ranking in China:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Privileged elite
Working classes
Merchants
Lower classes
Privileged elite:
-
This group included the emperor, scholar bureaucrats and gentry
Why were the Scholar bureaucrats & Gentry Important?
-
The scholar bureaucrats and gentry were very instrumental because they act as
intermediaries between the imperial government and local population
They also organized water control projects and security measures
Working classes:
-
They were split into three classes:
1. Peasants
2. Artisans & workers
3. Merchants
-
The peasants were the largest of the three classes;
They were also the most respected because they did honest work & supported the entire
population
Artisans: ranged from doctors to craft workers they usually worked for the government
and made more money than peasants
Merchants: They were at the bottom because they were viewed as dishonest
However, they usually made a good living, but received little government protection
Economic impact:
-
The Qing dynasty allowed for commercialized trade to happen because of the profits they
received
However, they did not promote it like European monarchs; therefore they fell behind
Europe in many respects.
Chinese culture
-
The Ming and Qing also used China tradition for guidelines for culture
The government supported the development of Confucianism especially NeoConfucianism
Chinese popular culture developed during this period 1368-1911
What was Neo-Confucianism?
-
It was a mix between Buddhism and Confucianism
When did it begin?
-
It grew during Song times; the architect behind it was Zhu XI
He combined the moral/ethical political standards of Confucius with the Buddhist
philosophy
He combined the values of self discipline, filial piety and obedience and this was the
reigning philosophy of the China from 14th through the early 20th century
What other cultural aspects existed in China during this time?
-
The Ming emperor Yongle sponsored the compilation of the Yongle Encyclopedia
It was made up of philosophical, literary and historical texts
Popular culture
-
The commercialization of China led to the growth of urban areas
Meaning: many city dwellers were not literate and did not understand Confucius
As a result, they supported a growth in pop culture: they found entertainment and
diversion more to their liking instead of literary works
FOR EXAMPLE: many books were based on conflict, horror and wonder
Many of these novels offered thoughtful reflection of the world and human affairs
FOR EXAMPLE: the Romance of Three Kingdoms explored the political intrigue after the
fall of the Han dynasty
The Dawn of the Red Chamber explored two cousins deeply in love, but they couldn’t
marry due to family wishes
The return of Christianity to China
-
Nestorian Christians established Christian churches and monasteries (in the 7th century)
Christianity was prominent in the commercial centers of China during the Yuan dynasty
However, after the bubonic plague and the fall of the Yuan Dynasty in the 14th century
Christianity fell
How and why does Christianity return to China?
-
It returned in the 16th century; in large part thanks to exploration and global trade
The most prominent of the missionaries responsible for its return was the Jesuits
Who was responsible for the mission from Europe to China?
-
Matteo Ricci; His goal was to convert China into a Christian nation
-
In the 16th century he won support of the Chinese; through established a relationship with
Ming and early Qing rulers
They spoke and wrote Chinese and won support of the imperial government
How did they do that?
-
They won them over by using European technology, science, astronomy and
mathematics
They helped the Ming/Qing rulers develops casts for cannons
What was the Jesuit goal?
-
They wanted to convert China into a Christian nation
How did they attempt do this?
-
They portrayed Christianity as a faith similar to Chinese cultural traditions
However, this was met with limited success
FOR EXAMPLE: BY THE 18TH century the Christian population numbered 200,000 (out
of a total population of 225 million)
What brought an end to the Jesuit mission?
-
In fighting between the Franciscan and Dominican orders who sought converts in China
They complained to the pope that Jesuits conducted services in Chinese and tolerated
veneration of ancestors
What was the impact of these missions?
-
European science and technology was culturally diffused in China
Europeans were exposed to Chinese culture
The civil service exam was adopted by some European monarchs; thus some
government jobs were earned on merit
The rationale morality was adopted by some enlightenment philosophers
Marco Polo wrote stories depicting china
Meaning: Europeans gained more interest in east Asia
Meaning: global trade