Christianity and Chinese Dynasties Overview

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Questions and Answers

What was a major concern of the Ming emperor regarding foreign trade?

It would enhance the prosperity of the region.

It would undermine the emperor's authority. (correct)

It would strengthen ties with neighboring countries.

It would increase agricultural production.

Which of the following best describes the state of the Great Wall during the Ming Dynasty?

It was completely rebuilt and impenetrable.

It was largely ignored and fell into disrepair.

It remained in excellent condition without repairs.

It required major repairs and maintenance. (correct)

What was the primary purpose of the Ming Dynasty's efforts in Vietnam?

To establish military bases.

To promote Confucianism through acculturation. (correct)

To strengthen Buddhist practices.

To gain economic resources.

What major event led to the Ming emperor being captured in 1449?

A clash with the Mongols. Signup and view all the answers

What significant shift occurred in Vietnamese culture as a result of Ming rule?

A transition from Buddhism to Confucianism. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant financial burden on the Ming Dynasty?

The extensive imperial clan and military campaigns. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a consequence of the Ming's rule over Vietnam?

The promotion of tattooing traditions. Signup and view all the answers

How did agricultural conditions contribute to the fall of the Ming Dynasty?

They created a financial crisis due to the Little Ice Age. Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the end of Zhu's life as a monk in a Buddhist monastery?

The monastery was burned by a militia. Signup and view all the answers

What title did Zhu take when he announced the Ming Dynasty?

Hongwu Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary focus of the first Ming emperor’s administration?

Establishing a centralized authority with military discipline. Signup and view all the answers

What resulted from the Hongwu emperor's investigations for traitors?

Widespread executions amounting to tens of thousands. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Forbidden City known for during the Ming Dynasty?

Being off-limits to commoners. Signup and view all the answers

What did Chengzu achieve during his reign after succeeding the Hongwu emperor?

He expanded the tribute system to foreign countries. Signup and view all the answers

How did maritime trade influence China by 1557?

It replaced the tribute system. Signup and view all the answers

Which non-native food was introduced to China during the Ming Dynasty?

Sweet potatoes Signup and view all the answers

What is the central concept of Taoism that emphasizes alignment with natural order?

The Way (Tao) Signup and view all the answers

Which historical period did the Mandate of Heaven originate?

Zhou Dynasty Signup and view all the answers

What does the Mandate of Heaven indicate if a ruler loses it?

Natural disasters Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the Mandate of Heaven is true?

The emperor's virtue determines his right to rule. Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable aspect of the Ming Dynasty during its rule?

Significant trade expansion and interaction with the West Signup and view all the answers

Who founded the Ming Dynasty and what was his background?

Zhu Yuanzhang, born into poverty Signup and view all the answers

What type of cultural achievements is the Ming Dynasty particularly known for?

Drama/theater and literature Signup and view all the answers

What natural feature significantly impacted Zhu Yuanzhang's early life?

The Yellow River Signup and view all the answers

What significant event in 1642 contributed to the breakdown of social order in China?

Destruction of the Yellow River dikes Signup and view all the answers

What prompted former soldiers to form marauding gangs during the fall of the Ming Dynasty?

Starvation due to famine Signup and view all the answers

How did the Manchu people distinguish themselves from the Han Chinese during their rule?

By enforcing strict Manchurian dress codes Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for the last Ming emperor, Chóngzhēn, in 1644?

He committed suicide Signup and view all the answers

What major challenges did China face leading up to the rise of the Qing Dynasty besides military defeat?

Natural disasters and disease outbreaks Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the initial years of the Qing Dynasty?

Prosperity and expansion Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence for intellectuals who criticized the Qing rulers?

They were executed Signup and view all the answers

Which two rebel leaders contended for control of China after the Ming Dynasty's fall?

Li Zicheng and Zhang Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant policy difference between Ming and Qing rulers regarding succession?

Qing rulers selected successors based on merit. Signup and view all the answers

Which crop was NOT introduced from the New World during the Qing dynasty?

Wheat Signup and view all the answers

What was one method the Qing dynasty used to finance their rule?

Taxing the peasants Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events marked the beginning of a series of rebellions against the Qing dynasty?

The White Lotus Rebellion Signup and view all the answers

What was Emperor Kangxi known for during his reign?

Stifling corruption and reducing taxes Signup and view all the answers

How did the Qing dynasty's attitude towards external forces contribute to its decline?

They underestimated the strength of European ambitions. Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the Qing policy forcing princes to reside in the capital?

Princes became more involved in politics. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a reason for the decline of the Qing dynasty?

Cultural advancements under Kangxi Signup and view all the answers

What significant military actions did Kangxi undertake during his reign?

He defeated three Han rebellions and seized Taiwan. Signup and view all the answers

Which crops were introduced during Kangxi's reign that contributed to food abundance?

Potatoes and corn Signup and view all the answers

What characterized Qianlong's later years of ruling?

Increased disinterest in governance Signup and view all the answers

Which project was Qianlong particularly involved in to preserve Manchu culture?

Creating a system of torture for sorcerers Signup and view all the answers

Which diplomatic event involved Lord Macartney and what was its outcome?

He was warmly welcomed but had all requests turned down. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did Qianlong's reign have on the Chinese population and agriculture?

The population doubled, and farmlands expanded. Signup and view all the answers

What was Kangxi's approach to foreign invasions during his reign?

He stopped Russian invasion attempts and signed the Treaty of Nerchinsk. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Qianlong's major accomplishments regarding military campaigns?

He expanded control over parts of Tibet and Central Asia. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Acts 13:47

God has instructed followers to illuminate Gentiles and bring salvation to all Earth's corners.
This highlights a divine mandate to spread the word.

Worldly Quote

A quote attributed to Alexander Hamilton, stating, "Those who stand for nothing fall for everything."
This quote expresses ideas about the purpose and principles of action.

The Ming and Qing Dynasties

The Ming and Qing Dynasties were influential Chinese dynasties.
These dynasties are frequently studied in world history.

Additional Sources

Several websites are listed as historical resources for the Ming and Qing dynasties and Buddhism.
These sources supply additional information on subjects covered in the text, making it useful for further research.

Confucius 551-479 BC

Confucius was a notable figure during the Zhou dynasty.
Educated and wealthy, Confucius was concerned about the political unrest during his lifetime.
He developed philosophical ideas about ethical behavior and social order.
His work greatly impacted Chinese culture and government.
Considered a transmitter of ancient Chinese wisdom, rather than an originator.
He lived around the same time as the emergence of Buddhism.

Not a Religion, but an Ethical Framework

Confucius believed that ethical virtue, loyalty, respect, and trust, were vital to a stable society.
His methods included education, literature, and philosophy aiding in social order.
Rituals and rules help people understand and practice virtues.
Followers sought to achieve "superiority" through ethical lives.

Popularity of Confucianism

Initially, Confucian ideals resonated strongly with the common people.
Later, they gained acceptance in the government.
Confucianism was embedded in the educational system for civil service exams promoting government employment.
These beliefs had a considerable impact on Chinese government over centuries.

Taoism or Daoism

Daoism is a Chinese philosophy that developed in rural areas during the Tang Dynasty.
It focused on living in accordance with the Tao (the natural order or cosmic force).
Daoism sought to achieve harmony with the natural world.
It is considered a religion because of its recognition of gods and spirits.

The Mandate of Heaven

The Mandate of Heaven is an ancient Chinese philosophical concept, first conceptualized in the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC).
Heaven grants a ruler the right to rule, which is dependent upon virtue.
Heaven determines a single ruler at any time, meaning a ruler can lose the Mandate.
Rebellion is justified only against unjust or incompetent rulers signifying a loss of divine favor.

Mandate of Heaven (Continued)

Various signs indicate a ruler has lost the Mandate of Heaven, including peasant uprisings and natural disasters.
A successful rebellion signifies the ruler's loss of the Mandate.
The right to rule does not depend on noble birth; a common person could become emperor.

Chronology: China during the Early Modern Era

A timeline of important events in China's early modern history.
Key dates and events are noted for analysis of trends and development.

China-The Late Ming Era

A map depicting China during the Late Ming Era, highlighting key geographical areas and centers of power.

Ming Dynasty 1368-1644

China's population nearly doubled to 200 million under the Ming Dynasty.
The dynasty fostered commerce and trade through the world.
Literature, theater, and porcelain became prominent aspects.
The Ming Dynasty was in existence during the late 14th century Italian Renaissance.

Rise of the Ming (Brilliant) Dynasty

Zhu Yuanzhang was the founder of the Ming Dynasty.
His humble beginnings, including begging and living at a monastery, highlight his challenging trajectory.
The overthrow of the Mongols is a sign of the Mandate of Heaven—divine approval for his rule.
He consolidated power by defeating warlords to establish his reign.

Religious Rites and Ceremonies

The Ming Dynasty promoted ancient religious traditions and elaborate ceremonies.
This focused on strengthening the emperor's authority and prestige.
The emperor's discipline required that his officials showed proper respect.
Failure to show proper respect led to punishment.

The Reign of the Hongwu Emperor

A centralized administration was created, with the emperor at the head.
The emperor (The Hongwu Emperor) had a paranoid nature, employing his palace as a secret police force.
Extensive investigations and executions resulted from this paranoia.

The Imperial City in Beijing

The Ming Dynasty constructed an extensive imperial city in Beijing on the ruins of Kublai Khan's palace.

Ming Dynasty Trade

The Ming Dynasty significantly expanded trade.
Initially in 1405 to 201413 it used the tribute system.
Eventually, maritime trade replaced the tribute system.
The Ming sent ships extensively over the seas to different parts of the world.
This led to the introduction of other foods and crops including sweet potatoes and peanuts.

Limitations on Sea Trade

The Ming had concerns that extensive trade with foreigners would undermine imperial authority.
Bans on maritime commerce were imposed but there were instances of traders circumventing the rules.
The centralized administration opposed extensive foreign commerce to maintain its authority.

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China was constructed in 220 B.C. and covered vast portions.
The Ming Dynasty required major repairs to fortify the wall.
The Wall protected the empire from Mongol invaders.
In one instance, the Ming Emperor chose to replace the previous emperor—a decision based on protecting the empire, not on payments.

Acculturation

Ming rule over Vietnam led to significant and impactful cultural changes to the people of Vietnam.
Significant shifts in traditions occurred because of enforced Confucianism.
Buddhism experienced major setbacks.
Educated Vietnamese who studied Confucianism in China returned for service in their homeland.

China and Its Enemies During the Late Ming Era

A map depicting China during the Late Ming Era and its bordering areas, highlighting key enemies and conflicts.

The Fall of the Ming Dynasty

The Ming rule fell apart due to excessive financial burdens during the Ming Dynasty.
The rise of various rival military groups during the later phases contributed to the fall of the dynasty.
Agricultural disasters weakened the dynasty and led to food shortages causing hardship and starvation.

The Fall of the Ming Dynasty (Continued)

Large numbers of former soldiers formed gangs contributing to chaos and further instability.
Flooding, locusts, disease, and drought decimated the population further. Different rebel leaders established separate rival dynasties.
The last Ming emperor committed suicide.
The semi-nomadic Manchu people established the subsequent ruling dynasty, the Qing.

The Qing Empire (Eighteenth Century)

A map depicting the Qing empire in the 18th century, showing the extent of their territory.
The empire expanded considerably under different leaders during this era.

Qing Dynasty

The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty in China.
It lasted from 1644 to 1912.
The initial reign was characterized by prosperity but later ended in tumult.

Rise of the Qing

The Manchurian forces defeated the Ming army in 1616 and occupied northern China.
A full-scale invasion followed, and in 1644, Emperor Shunzhi established the Qing Dynasty.

New Rulers of China

The Qing dynasty, of Manchurian origins, maintained a separate identity through cultural and social factors.
This group, though from another area, established rule through significant military force.
Policies were implemented, differentiating their traditions to reflect their new reign.

Discrimination

The Qing dynasty discriminated against the people of Ming China.
Those who criticized the new rulers were persecuted (and ultimately, were often killed).
Disagreements and relocating citizens resulted from discriminatory practices.
Differences between the ethnic groups, including marriage, were forbidden.

Succession

Ming emperors typically chose the eldest son as heir apparent, with limited political involvement for other sons.
Qing emperors primarily chose their successors based on merit, with succession decisions kept secret until the emperor was near death.
Qing policy forced princes to reside in the capital, thus increasing their engagement in political matters.

The Qing Financed Their Rule

The Qing financed their rule by imposing taxes upon the peasantry.
Peasants subsequently moved away from Qing controlled areas and planted crops.
Crops like corn, sweet potatoes, and Irish potatoes supported the peasantry and expanded trade and commerce.

Policies On Trade

The Qing initially permitted trade and permitted trade with foreigners but later restricted and regulated imports.
Foreign tribute was imposed on adjacent countries including Korea, Vietnam, Burma, and Nepal as part of policies during this reign.

Reasons for Qing Decline

Qing rulers' attitudes toward their subjects contributed to the downfall of the dynasty.
External forces and internal rebellions also played a role as contributing factors to the empire's decline.
External pressures included new technologies from Western powers and their expansionist policies.

Emperor Kangxi

Kangxi ruled China for 61 years, the longest reign by any Chinese emperor.
He standardized the Han language, commissioned surveys leading to detailed maps of China, and reduced taxes and corruption.
He implemented policies that benefited the farmers and ended seizing of land, helping to increase prosperity.
He made reductions in government staff and expenditures.

Emperor Kangxi (Continued)

Kangxi successfully extinguished threats from rebellions and seized Taiwan, solidifying his authority.
He stopped Russian expansionist tendencies and made treaties to protect the border—the Treaty of Nerchinsk.
He introduced foreign crops such as potatoes and corn.
He increased exports including cotton, silk, tea, and ceramics.

The Qianlong Emperor

Qianlong ruled China for 60 years. He was more involved in the arts, including poetry and paintings.
Poems and paintings were integral to preserving culture during this reign.
He was greatly concerned about preserving the culture and traditions of the Manchu people.
He established systems of torture to combat those who disparaged his reign or the traditions of the Manchu people and worked hard to destroy such materials.

Benefits of Qianlong's Rule of China

Qianlong's reign saw the peak of the expanding Manchu empire's influence over Tibet and Central Asia.
The population of China grew considerably during this time.
Agriculture flourished, with the development of new agricultural methods.
Flood control measures reduced societal problems.
Commerce increased significantly.

Foreign Policy

The Qianlong Emperor had little interest in governing and was more passionate about the arts.
He was not very interested in regulating or controlling foreign policies.
Foreign diplomats were lavishly welcomed but, in the end, their requests were rejected.
Lord Macartney's requests for trade treaties were denied due to the Qianlong Emperor's belief that China had no external needs. Foreign gifts, like air guns, clocks, and telescopes, were welcomed.

Qianlong's Death

Qianlong died in 1799, leaving China appearing prosperous, but plagued by problems.
A period of decline followed after his death.

Ming and Qing Emperors

A list of notable emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties, along with their years of reign.

Xuande

Emperor Xuande, reigned from 1425 to 1435, was a Ming Dynasty ruler.

ChengHUA

Emperor ChengHUA, reigned from 1464 to 1487, was a Ming Dynasty ruler.

Wanli

Emperor Wanli, reigned from 1572 to 1620, was a Ming Dynasty ruler.

Shunzhi

Emperor Shunzhi reigned from 1638 to 1661, and was a Qing Dynasty ruler.

Yongzheng

Emperor Yongzheng reigned from 1678 to 1735, was a Qing Dynasty ruler.

Jiaqing

Emperor Jiaqing reigned from 1760 to 1820, and was a Qing Dynasty ruler.

Xianfeng

Emperor Xianfeng reigned from 1850 to 1861, was a Qing Dynasty ruler.

Early Missionaries to China

Early missionaries to China often traveled along the Silk Road.
Christianity was introduced to China as early as the 4th century.
A missionary named Alopen, from Syria, arrived in China in 635 AD.
Emperors like Taizong tolerated these early missionaries.
Christianity was tolerated until the Tang dynasty in 845 AD.
European visits occurred between 1271 and 1368 and at one point an archbishop was stationed in Peking.

Jesuits in China

Jesuit missionaries' activities are largely contained in the last 75 years of the Ming Dynasty.
The Jesuits' presence in China started with a Portuguese settlement in 1579.
Their stay in China ended in the 1720s due to various pressures from the emperor and Rome.
There were rarely more than 20 Jesuits in China at any one time.
Missions faced cultural, linguistic, and physical obstacles.
Jesuit missionaries converted over 200,000 Chinese by 1700.
Some Qing emperors were more tolerant than others—Emperor Kangxi among them.

Matteo Ricci

The Italian Jesuit, Matteo Ricci, focused on establishing good relations with the Chinese emperor.
Jesuits fascinated Chinese scholars with their deep knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, calculus, and predictions—skills not prevalent in China at the time.
His actions resulted in increased favor with the Emperor and his court.,

Other Famous Jesuits

Michele Ruggieri and Alessandro Valignano worked to expand Christianity outside the capital city.
They took six years (until 1582) to complete the first Portuguese-Chinese dictionary.
These Jesuits taught the Ten Commandments and basic Christian beliefs.

Two-Way Mission

European Jesuits gave the West an accurate depiction of China.
The Jesuits were the first to translate the writings of Confucius into European languages.
They translated scientific treatises and star charts for the Chinese.
A Catechism, written by Ricci, accepted Chinese traditions, includingancestor customs, that did not clash with Christian theology.

Rites Controversy

The 1700s saw controversy over the acceptance of local customs; especially the practice of venerating ancestors.
Franciscan and Dominican missionaries rejected ancestor veneration.
Jesuits accepted certain customs, causing a significant disagreement.
The Pope's ruling, favoring the Dominicans, and growing pressure from the concerned emperor to expel missionaries.

Buddhism in China

Buddhism was established in China in the sixth century BC.
It was brought to China during the latter part of the Han dynasty by Indian Buddhist Monks, approximately in 150 AD.
Buddhism became assimilated into Chinese culture.

Buddhist Schools

By the 6th century and the next three centuries, various Buddhist schools were formed in China.
Two enduring traditions are Pure Land Buddhism and Chan (Zen) Buddhism.
These schools continue to hold influence in China despite government restrictions on religious practice.
Teachings from various Buddhist schools were adapted by neighboring countries like Korea and Japan.

Buddhist Shrines

Numerous shrines are found across Asia dedicated to Buddha.
One famous example is the Longmen Caves, a complex of cave shrines, containing thousands of sculptures dedicated to Buddha.
Pilgrimages are significant in fostering devotion.

Bodhisattvas

Bodhisattvas are living beings who have attained Enlightenment.
They choose to help people achieve enlightenment by remaining on Earth.
Representations of Bodhisattvas like Guanyin can vary with depictions.

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Description

This quiz explores key themes from Acts 13:47, highlighting the call to spread God's word among Gentiles. It also delves into the significance of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in world history and the philosophical contributions of Confucius during the Zhou dynasty.