Chapter 17.3: Ming and Qing Dynasties

How did cultural differences hamper trade relations between the British and the Chinese during the Qing period?

Cultural differences tampered trade relations with Britain and the Qing because the Lord did not obey the command by showing respect to the emperor by bowing to him and was sent away. So, the Qing were isolated from the outside world except for trading with the Dutch who agreed to the Qing's rules of trade.

Who were Hongwu and Yonglo, and what were their main achievements?

Hongwu was the founder of the Ming dynasty that defeated the last of the Mughal Empire who was originally a peasant that rallied a group of people to go fight. Yonglo; Hongwu's son moved the empire to Beijing and created the Forbidden City for the ruler and his family to stay which was only known to very few people.

How did Ming porcelain contribute to China's economy?

Ming porcelain contributed to China's economy because it was very valuable back in England so, they sold many pieces of the blue and white art.

Kangxi

reduced taxes for peasants and expanded the empire into parts of Central Asia. An intellectual, he supported the arts and entertained Jesuit priests at court. The Jesuits were highly educated, and Kangxi enjoyed learning from them about European advances in science and other areas.

Hongwu

"vastly martial" and founded the Ming dynasty

In what region of the Ming empire was Beijing, the capital, located?

Beijing is at the northern tip near the Great Wall of China and Yellow Sea.

What were some of the strengths and weaknesses of the Ming dynasty?

A strength of the Ming dynasty is that they improved irrigation, farm output increased and peasants made huge amounts rice and had stability and their population and cities grew as well making porcelain and silk traded to Europe. However, a weakness is the Ming in the 1500's were isolated from the outside world when Zheng He was forbidden to go expeditions anymore and the officials of the government thought it would be better to use their resources locally instead making this dynasty decline.

Which book is considered to be China's greatest novel, and when was it written?

China's greatest novel was Dream of the Red Chamber by: Cao Zhan wrote in the 1700's portraying the decline of an upper-class Chinese family.

How did literature change during the Ming period?

Literature changed during the Ming period because more people knew how to read which helped to the increase of popular fiction which was wrote in everyday language for the common people.

How does Lord Macartney's view of the trade discussions compare with Emperor Qianlong's view?

Lord Macartney thinks that even though the Qing said that they did not want to trade with England, deep down they regret their decision and wish they accepted their offer. While Emperor Qianlong says that his empire is filled with peace right now, and he doesn't want to disturb it with using other country's products but rather use their own.

Based on what you have learned about the major Ming and Qing emperors, how would you rank them? Explain your reasoning.

Qianlong, Kangxi, Yonglo, and Hongwu= the first two helped create the peak of this empire while the last two helped get the empire started.

Why did the British fail in their efforts in the 1790's to expand trade relations with Qing China?

The British failed in their efforts to trade with Qing China because the representative they sent did not show respect to the king and was sent away, and the Qing thought that their goods were superior to the ones manufactured from England and they wouldn't need to use GB's goods.

How did the Manchu rulers of the Qing dynasty earn the support and loyalty of many of the Chinese people?

The Manchu learned the Chinese language and customs and adapted them to their culture to help gain respect from the Chinese from being foreigners.

How did interaction with foreigners affect China during the Ming period?

The Ming kept their distance from other countries after stopping Zheng He for going on voyages because it was very expensive (ships, supplies, etc.) and officials thought it best to keep resources to be used locally for battles.

What regions did China gain under Qing rule?

Under the Qing ruler, China gained farther northern countries like Mongolia and Tibet.

How did Zheng He's voyages demonstrate Ming China's sea power and increase China's influence?

Zheng He's voyages demonstrated the Ming China's sea power by bringing a fleet of 300 ships and this helped increase China's influence by being granted tribute from other countries back to the emperor and learning about advancements of some goods produced in other countries.

Lord George Macartney

a British official came over to China to try and persuade them to expand their trade out to Great Britain but he was refused when he did not bow to the emperor and was kicked out

Zheng He

a Chinese Muslim admiral, who led seven voyages around the Indian Ocean as far as Africa and brought 300 ships (trading ship=junk and treasure ship=400 ft. long) and received tribute to China's emperor by giving countries on the way gifts

Matteo Ricci

an Italian Jesuit priest, that wanted to be respected so he learned their customs + language to help him become apart of the court and would teach math and science

Qianlong

brought the Qing dynasty to its height by expanding empire to largest size by gaining Taiwan, Mongolia, and Tibet

Yonglo

moved empire to Beijing and built the Forbidden City (MING)