Confucianism and Economic Development in China

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of Confucianism as a philosophy?

Religious practices and rituals

Political ideologies and governance

Ethics and social harmony (correct)

Scientific advancement and exploration

Which of the following virtues is associated with respect for parents and elder relatives in Confucianism?

Zheng

Xiao (correct)

Ren

How does Confucianism view the relationship between the nation and family?

Nation and family are of equal importance

Family is prioritized over the nation

The nation comes before the family (correct)

Nationhood is an illusion in Confucian thought

What is a key characteristic of the Confucian examination system?

Focus on memorization of Confucian texts Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'mandate of heaven' signify in Confucian teachings?

The obligation of the emperor to maintain social harmony Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary currency used in China during the silver-based economy?

Sycee Signup and view all the answers

Which route was significant for transporting silver to China between 1565 and 1815?

Manila-Accapulco-Galley Route Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of the black market for silver in China?

Inflation with silver Signup and view all the answers

How did the Qing dynasty differ in composition compared to the Ming dynasty?

Qing was ruled by Manchurians Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main goals of the Macartney Mission?

To secure better trading conditions at Canton Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the British exporting opium to China?

To reduce tea trade deficits Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the immediate effects of the Opium War on China?

The end of the Canton System Signup and view all the answers

What cultural system is said to have prevented innovation in technology within China?

Confucianism Signup and view all the answers

What significant impact did China's isolation have during the early modern period?

Economic prosperity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following products was NOT central to China's export during the early modern period?

Spices Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary characteristic of the society during the Ming Dynasty?

Focus on establishing a self-sufficient agrarian society. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily caused the Mongolian rule in China to lose the 'mandate of heaven'?

Natural disasters and social disturbances. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the decline of technology during the Qing Dynasty?

Focus on historical practices and traditions. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Civil Service Examination serve during the Ming and Qing Dynasties?

Discouraged innovation and focused on memorization. Signup and view all the answers

How did foreign trade influence the economy during the Ming Dynasty?

It introduced new tax sources, specifically silver. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant feature of the Qing Dynasty's military strategy?

Integration of various ethnic groups into the military. Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable impact of Confucian values on the social structure in China?

Emphasis on family as the most important element of the state. Signup and view all the answers

What resulted from the population increase during the Qing Dynasty?

Increased social inequality due to reliance on silver. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the economic state of China during the Yuan Dynasty?

A flourishing economy enhanced by military strength. Signup and view all the answers

What major change occurred under the leadership of Emperor Kangxi?

Harsh penalties for local rebellions. Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the maritime trade commission established in the 12th century?

Coastal cities developed due to increased trade activity. Signup and view all the answers

How did women's social status change during the Ming Dynasty?

Foot binding became a common practice among the upper class. Signup and view all the answers

What was Zheng He's role in the context of trade during the Ming Dynasty?

He conducted naval expeditions to display Chinese power. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Confucianism in China

Origins: Confucius, 5th century BCE. Confucian classics include poetry, rituals, and historical traditions.
Nature: A philosophy, not a religion, focused on ethical and social harmony. Viewed as a civil religion.
Core Beliefs: Emphasis on family, society, and nation. Education and strong familial relationships. Key virtues include: ren (humanity/love for humanity), li (proper behavior), and xiao (respect for elders).
Social Structure: A rigid hierarchy with defined roles; emperor (son of heaven), scholar bureaucrats (merit-based), farmers, artisans, merchants.

Agricultural Society: Stable agrarian society, with taxation and commerce developing after standard measurements. Exported grain, silk, and other goods.
Maritime Trade: Active maritime trade with Africa, Korea, Japan, and India. Chinese shipbuilding advanced until the 13th century.
Paper Currency: Introduced in 811.
Foot Binding: Upper class custom of binding women's feet, viewed as a mark of beauty.

Internal Development and Constraints

Population Growth: Fast population growth from the 10th century causing strain on the society
Conservative Bureaucracy: Bureaucracy focused on avoiding change and innovation instead of taking risks and new methods.

Mongol Rule (Yuan Dynasty)

Foreign Rule: Mongols ruled China (1271-1368), considering Chinese as barbarians.
Military Society: Shift from an agrarian to a more military society
Confucian Examination: Abolished during Mongol rule until 1315.

Ming Dynasty

Han Majority Rule: The Ming Dynasty was established with a focus on a majority Han (ethnic Chinese) society and self-sufficient peasants
New Tax Sources: Shift from agricultural tax to a silver-based tax system, influenced by the increasing importance of new world silver in world trade
Ming Decline: Lack of new intellectual breakthroughs, political corruption, and peasant uprisings led to Ming decline and the mandate of heaven
World Trade: Chinese artisans known for porcelain and silk. China became a dominant importer of new world silver

Qing Dynasty

Foreign Rule (Manchus): Manchurians (Manchus) were a foreign group who took power in China.
Expansion of the Empire: Expansionist empire, taking control of Central Asia, Tibet, and Taiwan
Continued Bureaucracy: The Qing preserved the Confucian examination system, bureaucracy, and Chinese culture
Kangxi Emperor: Emperor known for merging Manchurian military skills with Chinese administrative expertise. Centralized government, expanded bureaucracy, and passed policies to punish rebellions.

Traditionalism: Focus on maintaining traditional art, literature, and philosophy.
Population Growth: Population growth (150 million to 300 million from 1600-1800) driven by new world crops. This created social inequalities.

Qing Decline

Military Issues: Military declined due to corruption and Manchu generals' focus on personal wealth.
Pressures From Taxation: Rising tensions and rebellion from taxation issues.

Early Modern Globalization and China

Zheng He Voyages: Extensive voyages of exploration and trade across the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, and east Africa (1405-1433).
Opium Trade: Introduction and addiction to opium by the British which caused issues and conflict between the two empires
Canton System: British and Dutch traders restricted to trading in Canton (Guangzhou), limited to five months trading season. Controlled by a Chinese guild (Cohong).
Macartney Mission: British mission to China to open ports led to a diplomatic failure due to cultural misunderstandings.
Opium Wars (1839-1842): First Opium War triggered by Chinese attempts to suppress opium trade leading to British military victories.
Unequal Treaties: Treaties forced upon China by European powers, resulting in lost territories and economic concessions. Westerners gained more control over China

Western influence on China

19th Century Relationships: China’s relationships with the West and Japan became increasingly strained, leading to wars and Western dominance over China
Missionary Activity: Allowed Western missionaries to proselytize and travel freely across China

China's Position in the Global Economy

Important Trade Partner: China was an important trading partner but later withdrew internally, with emphasis on isolation. Notable products included tea, silk, and porcelain.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental aspects of Confucianism as a philosophy that shaped Chinese society and its social structure. Additionally, it delves into the economic and social development of China, including agriculture, trade, and currency systems. Test your knowledge on the key principles and historical influences of Confucian thought alongside China's advancements in economy and commerce.