Ming Dynasty Trade: Quiz and Flashcards

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the significance of the red walls surrounding the Forbidden City?

To keep commoners and foreigners out

To protect the emperor from intruders

To provide a decorative element

To symbolize power and might (correct)

Why was the Forbidden City off-limits to commoners and foreigners?

Because of its sacred significance

For safety reasons

To maintain the emperor's privacy

To emphasize the emperor's authority (correct)

Which building in the Forbidden City was used for important ceremonies like the emperor's birthday celebrations?

Nine-Dragon Wall

Imperial Garden

Taihe Hall (correct)

Corner Tower

What does the Nine-Dragon Wall represent in the Forbidden City?

Imperial family's symbol Signup and view all the answers

Why did Yonglo move the Chinese capital to Beijing?

To consolidate his power as emperor Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of building the Forbidden City?

To symbolize imperial authority and prestige Signup and view all the answers

What were the significant responsibilities of women in early modern China?

Supervising children's education and managing family finances Signup and view all the answers

Why did China's official trade policies in the 1500s reflect its isolation?

To minimize the influence of outsiders, only the government was allowed to conduct foreign trade. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant reason why China did not become highly industrialized in the 1500s?

China's Confucian beliefs viewed commerce negatively, affecting industrial development. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did some women in early modern China step outside traditional roles?

By working as midwives or textile workers Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of most artists in early modern China?

Technique over creativity Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the demand for Chinese goods have on the economy in the 1500s?

Industries such as silk-making and ceramics experienced rapid growth. Signup and view all the answers

What role did drama play in early modern China's society?

It entertained and helped unify Chinese society Signup and view all the answers

Why were taxes on agriculture kept low in traditional Chinese economic policies?

Agriculture was considered the backbone of China’s economy. Signup and view all the answers

What did Christian missionaries bring to China along with European traders in the 1500s?

Christianity and knowledge of European science and technology Signup and view all the answers

What was the main theme of 'Dream of the Red Chamber' by Cao Zhan?

Examination of upper-class Manchu society in the 1700s Signup and view all the answers

How did pottery develop technically in early modern China?

Emphasized technical skill and experimentation, leading to high-quality ceramics Signup and view all the answers

Why did European merchants pay for Chinese goods with silver in the 1500s?

Much of the silver came from mines in the Americas. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the territories that China's borders were expanded to include under the Qing rule?

Taiwan Signup and view all the answers

In an effort to understand the common people's grievances, what did Emperor Kangxi of the Qing dynasty do?

Embarked on a series of tours to interact and talk with the people Signup and view all the answers

How did the Manchu rulers gain the respect of the Chinese people despite periodic rebellions?

By upholding China's traditional beliefs and social structures Signup and view all the answers

What did Emperor Kangxi do to reduce government expenses and lower taxes during his reign?

Reduced government expenses and lowered taxes Signup and view all the answers

How did Emperor Kangxi differ in leadership style from the Ming rulers?

He actively engaged with his subjects and ruled for over 60 years Signup and view all the answers

What was one way Emperor Kangxi gained support from intellectuals during his reign?

By offering them government positions Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of Lord George Macartney's visit to Qian-long in 1793?

To ask for better trade arrangements and Chinese acceptance of British goods Signup and view all the answers

Why did Qian-long deny Britain's request for trade arrangements in 1793?

China believed it was self-sufficient and did not require British goods Signup and view all the answers

How did Korea's political relationship with China change when the Manchus established the Qing dynasty?

It became a part of the Chinese tribute system Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the Manchu invasion and Japanese attack have on Korea?

It sparked nationalistic sentiments among Koreans Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects Qian-long's view towards British manufactured goods?

China did not require any more of Britain's goods Signup and view all the answers

How did Lord George Macartney's refusal to kowtow impact his meeting with Qian-long?

It demonstrated his respect for Chinese customs and traditions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City was a great palace complex built by Yonglo in Beijing, symbolizing his power and might.
Construction took 14 years (1406-1420) and was surrounded by 35-foot-high red walls.
The complex had dozens of buildings, including palaces and temples, and was closed to commoners and foreigners.

Taihe Hall

Taihe Hall, or the Hall of Supreme Harmony, is the largest building in the compound.
It measures 201 by 122 feet and stands about 125 feet high.
This hall was used for important ceremonies, such as those marking the emperor’s birthday or the day the crown prince took the throne.

Women's Roles

Although men dominated the household, women had significant responsibilities.
Women supervised the children’s education and managed the family’s finances.
Some women worked as midwives or textile workers, and a few even found jobs outside the home.

Cultural Developments

The culture of early modern China was based mainly on traditional forms.
The great masterpiece of traditional Chinese fiction, "Dream of the Red Chamber" by Cao Zhan, was written during this period.
Artists of the time painted in traditional styles, valuing technique over creativity.
Pottery and ceramic production were of high quality, including porcelain.
Drama was a popular entertainment, especially in rural China where literacy rates were low.

Ming Relations with Foreign Countries

China’s official trade policies in the 1500s reflected its isolation.
Only the government was to conduct foreign trade, through three coastal ports: Canton, Macao, and Ningbo.
In reality, trade flourished, and profit-minded merchants smuggled cargoes of silk, porcelain, and other valuable goods out of the country.

Christian Missionaries

Christian missionaries accompanied European traders into China, bringing Christianity and knowledge of European science and technology.
The first missionary to have an impact was an Italian Jesuit named Matteo Ricci.

China Under the Qing

The Qing dynasty ruled China for more than 260 years and expanded its borders to include Taiwan, Chinese Central Asia, Mongolia, and Tibet.
Kangxi, the emperor, had too much curiosity to remain isolated in the Forbidden City and went on "tours" to learn about the common people’s grievances.

Qing Leaders

Kangxi exhibited leadership unheard of in later Ming times, reducing government expenses and lowering taxes.
He upheld China’s traditional Confucian beliefs and social structures, making the country’s frontiers safe.

Korea Under the Manchus

In 1636, the Manchus conquered nearby Korea and made it a vassal state.
Korea adopted China’s technology, culture, and policy of isolation, and organized their government according to Confucian principles.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on China's official trade policies during the Ming Dynasty in the 1500s, which aimed to limit the influence of outsiders. Explore the flourishing trade along the coast and the involvement of profit-minded merchants in smuggling goods to European merchants.

Ming Dynasty Trade Policies Quiz

Choose a study mode