30 Questions
What is the significance of the red walls surrounding the Forbidden City?
To symbolize power and might
Why was the Forbidden City off-limits to commoners and foreigners?
To emphasize the emperor's authority
Which building in the Forbidden City was used for important ceremonies like the emperor's birthday celebrations?
Taihe Hall
What does the Nine-Dragon Wall represent in the Forbidden City?
Imperial family's symbol
Why did Yonglo move the Chinese capital to Beijing?
To consolidate his power as emperor
What was the purpose of building the Forbidden City?
To symbolize imperial authority and prestige
What were the significant responsibilities of women in early modern China?
Supervising children's education and managing family finances
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.
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.
In what way did some women in early modern China step outside traditional roles?
By working as midwives or textile workers
What was the primary focus of most artists in early modern China?
Technique over creativity
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.
What role did drama play in early modern China's society?
It entertained and helped unify Chinese society
Why were taxes on agriculture kept low in traditional Chinese economic policies?
Agriculture was considered the backbone of China’s economy.
What did Christian missionaries bring to China along with European traders in the 1500s?
Christianity and knowledge of European science and technology
What was the main theme of 'Dream of the Red Chamber' by Cao Zhan?
Examination of upper-class Manchu society in the 1700s
How did pottery develop technically in early modern China?
Emphasized technical skill and experimentation, leading to high-quality ceramics
Why did European merchants pay for Chinese goods with silver in the 1500s?
Much of the silver came from mines in the Americas.
What was one of the territories that China's borders were expanded to include under the Qing rule?
Taiwan
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
How did the Manchu rulers gain the respect of the Chinese people despite periodic rebellions?
By upholding China's traditional beliefs and social structures
What did Emperor Kangxi do to reduce government expenses and lower taxes during his reign?
Reduced government expenses and lowered taxes
How did Emperor Kangxi differ in leadership style from the Ming rulers?
He actively engaged with his subjects and ruled for over 60 years
What was one way Emperor Kangxi gained support from intellectuals during his reign?
By offering them government positions
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
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
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
What effect did the Manchu invasion and Japanese attack have on Korea?
It sparked nationalistic sentiments among Koreans
Which statement best reflects Qian-long's view towards British manufactured goods?
China did not require any more of Britain's goods
How did Lord George Macartney's refusal to kowtow impact his meeting with Qian-long?
It demonstrated his respect for Chinese customs and traditions
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.
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.
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