Qing Dynasty Politics

• Last imperial dynasty in China, ruling from 1644 to 1912
• Founded by the Manchu people from northeastern China, who conquered the Ming Dynasty
• Key features:
  • Centralized bureaucracy with the emperor at the top
  • Divide and rule policy: Manchu people held key positions, while Han Chinese were excluded from power
  • Eight Banners system: military organization that combined Manchu and Han Chinese troops
  • Examination system: revived and expanded to recruit officials
  • Provincial administration: divided into provinces, each governed by a governor and a governor-general
• Notable emperors:
  • Kangxi (1662-1722): longest-reigning emperor, expanded empire's borders, and established a strong centralized government
  • Yongzheng (1722-1735): implemented reforms, including the creation of a secret police system
  • Qianlong (1735-1796): expanded empire's borders, and established a policy of isolationism

Ming Dynasty Economy

• Economy during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644):
  • Agriculture: primary sector, with significant growth in rice and cotton production
  • Silk production: major industry, with the Silk Road playing a significant role in international trade
  • Porcelain production: famous Jingdezhen porcelain was exported globally
  • Maritime trade: significant trade with Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe
  • Copper currency: used as the primary medium of exchange
• Key economic policies:
  • Land reform: equal distribution of land to reduce poverty and inequality
  • Taxation: implemented a single-whip tax system, where a single tax was levied on all landowners
  • Monetary policy: controlled copper supply to maintain currency stability
  • State monopolies: controlled key industries, such as salt, iron, and tea

Chinese Imperial System

• Key features:
  • Emperor: supreme ruler, considered the son of heaven, with divine authority
  • Imperial examination system: competitive exams to recruit officials, based on Confucian classics
  • Central government:
    • Emperor: at the top, with absolute power
    • Grand Secretariat: advisory body, responsible for policy-making
    • Six Ministries: responsible for administration, including personnel, revenue, rites, war, justice, and public works
  • Provincial administration: divided into provinces, each governed by a governor and a governor-general
  • Bureaucracy: hierarchical system, with officials appointed based on examination results
  • Eunuchs: played a significant role in imperial politics, often serving as advisors and administrators

清朝政治

• 1644-1912年统治中国的最后一个皇朝
• 由东北中国的满洲人所建立，推翻明朝
• 政治特点：
  • 以皇帝为中心的中央集权局
  • 分而治之政策：满洲人担任关键岗位，汉人被排除在权力之外
  • 八旗制度：军事组织，结合满洲人和汉人军队
  • 考试制度：复兴和扩展，招募官员
  • 省份行政：分为省份，每个省份由总督和巡抚管理
• 著名皇帝：
  • 康熙（1662-1722）：在位时间最长，扩展帝国边界，建立强有力的中央政府
  • 雍正（1722-1735）：实施改革，包括创建秘密警察制度
  • 乾隆（1735-1796）：扩展帝国边界，推行孤立主义政策

明朝经济

• 明朝（1368-1644）经济：
  • 农业：主要部门，稻米和棉花生产大幅增长
  • 丝绸生产：主要产业，丝绸之路在国际贸易中扮演重要角色
  • 陶瓷生产：著名的景德镇瓷器出口全球
  • 海洋贸易：与东南亚、日本和欧洲的贸易规模庞大
  • 铜币货币：作为主要的交换媒介
• 经济政策：
  • 土地改革：平等分配土地，减少贫困和不平等
  • 税收政策：实施单鞭税制，所有土地所有者缴纳单一税
  • 货币政策：控制铜供应，维持货币稳定
  • 国家垄断：控制主要产业，如盐、铁、茶

中国帝国制度

• 关键特点：
  • 皇帝：至高无上的统治者，认为是天之子，具有神权
  • 科举制度：以儒家经典为基础的竞争性考试，招募官员
  • 中央政府：
    • 皇帝：至高无上的统治者，拥有绝对权力
    • 内阁：政策顾问机构，负责政策制定
    • 六部：负责行政管理，包括人事、财政、礼、兵、刑、工
  • 省份行政：分为省份，每个省份由总督和巡抚管理
  • 官僚制度：层层制度，官员根据考试结果任命
  • 太监：在帝国政治中扮演重要角色，经常担任顾问和行政长官