China at its Height The Ming Dynasty The

China at its Height

The Ming Dynasty • The Ming dynasty was a time of greatness in Chinese history. • The Chinese extended their rule into Mongolia and central Asia.

The Ming Dynasty • The Ming rulers had an effective government using a bureaucracy. – Also set up a nationwide school system. • More manufactured goods were produced. • New crops were introduced.

The Ming Dynasty • Ming rulers also completed the Grand Canal. – Made it possible to ship grain and other goods from southern to northern China.

The Ming Dynasty • Emperor Yong Le began constructing the Imperial city of Beijing in 1406. – He moved the capital there in 1421

The Ming Dynasty • In 1514, a Portuguese fleet arrived off the coast of China. – It was the first direct contact between the Chinese Empire and Europe for roughly 200 years

The Ming Dynasty • an exchange of ideas and cultures took place – Christian missionaries brought new inventions • Ex: clocks and eyeglasses

The Ming Dynasty • During the late 16 th century a series of weak rulers led to a period of government corruption in China – A peasant revolt ultimately brought the Ming dynasty to an end.

The Qing Dynasty • The Manchus, farming and hunting people who lived Northeast of the Great Wall (Manchuria) took power after the Ming – Conquered Beijing and set up the Qing dynasty • The dynasty remained in power until 1911

The Qing Dynasty • At first the Chinese resisted the new rulers – the Qing eventually adopted the Chinese political system and were gradually accepted as the legitimate rulers

The Qing Dynasty • Under the Rule of Emperor Qianlong (1736 -1795), corrupt government and high taxes led to unrest in rural areas – Population growth put pressure on the farming land • Led to economic hardship for many peasants

The White Lotus Rebellion • Unhappy peasants eventually revolted in the White Lotus Rebellion – Greatly weakened the Qing dynasty

Contact With Europe • At the same time, Europe was seeking more trade with China • To limit European contact, the Qing confined all Europeans to a small island – Also limited the number of Chinese firms that Europeans could trade with

Contact With Europe • By the end of the eighteenth century, British traders began to demand access to additional cities along the Chinese coast.

Contact With Europe • In 1793, a British mission led by Lord George Mc. Cartney visited Beijing to ask for more liberal trade policies. – Emperor Qianlong replied that China had no need for British manufactured goods