Ming and Qing Dynasties Overview

Ming and Qing Dynasties in China

• The Mongols established the Yuan Dynasty, but were overthrown by the Chinese to form the Ming Dynasty.
• Hongwu, a peasant, founded the Ming Dynasty, succeeded by his son Yongle.
• Yongle sponsored Zheng He's voyages, exploring the Indian Ocean using advanced Chinese junks.
• Zheng He's voyages were halted in 1433, leading to European involvement in the Indian Ocean.
• China's isolationism followed, with regulated trade through key port cities and high taxes on European goods.
• This isolationism, while limiting outside influence, created a robust black market for luxury goods.
• Ming Dynasty merchants had higher economic status than peasants, but lower socio-economic status than land-owning peasants (reflecting Confucian ideals).
• The Ming Dynasty's decline began in the 17th century due to corruption, high taxation, and outside invasions.
• The Manchus (Jurchens) invaded in 1644, establishing the Qing Dynasty.
• The Qing Dynasty controlled China to the height of its power in the 18th century.
• The Qing Dynasty embraced Confucian ideals and rituals like the kowtow.
• The Qing Dynasty under Kangxi (1661–1722) and Qianlong (1735–1795) saw significant prosperity and population growth.
• The Qing declined as a response to the British refusing the kowtow ceremony and British opium smuggling.

Tokugawa Japan (summary)

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