China Between 1450 and 1750 for AP World History

Nov 15, 2023

8 min read

Even though China didn’t build a colony in the New World, silver from the Americas had a profound impact on it. Read the Google Slides to learn all about China between 1450 and 1750. Also, I have linked some slides in the presentation, but remember, if you want to learn more about the Ming and Qing Dynasties, we have pages on them.

The Ming Dynasty

The Ming Dynasty, established in 1368 after the overthrow of Mongol rule, marked a significant chapter in Chinese history. Founded by Zhu Yuanzhang, who later became Emperor Hongwu, the Ming Dynasty sought to eradicate Mongol influence and restore traditional Chinese governance. The new rulers implemented Confucian principles to construct a robust central government and bring stability to the empire.

Emperor Hongwu initiated a series of reforms to strengthen the central authority. He reinstated the civil service examination system, a Confucian-based method of selecting government officials, which had been disrupted during the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. This move aimed to recruit talented individuals into the bureaucracy based on merit rather than hereditary status, fostering a more efficient and capable ruling class.

The Ming Dynasty prioritized cultural revival and the restoration of Chinese identity. The imperial court supported the arts, literature, and the revival of Confucianism, contributing to a resurgence of traditional Chinese values. The construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing exemplified the Ming’s commitment to establishing a powerful and symbolic center for governance.

While the Ming Dynasty achieved considerable success in reclaiming Chinese sovereignty and fostering cultural renaissance, internal challenges and external threats would eventually lead to its decline. Despite its later struggles, the Ming Dynasty’s early years were characterized by a dedication to Confucian principles, the restoration of administrative order, and the removal of Mongol influence, leaving a lasting impact on Chinese history.

Zheng He

Zheng He, a eunuch and admiral during the Ming Dynasty, is renowned for leading a series of unprecedented maritime expeditions in the early 15th century. Serving under the Yongle Emperor, Zheng He embarked on seven major voyages from 1405 to 1433, commanding colossal fleets that sailed across the Indian Ocean and as far as the east coast of Africa. These journeys were not only remarkable for their vast scale but also for their diplomatic and trade objectives.

Zheng He’s expeditions were instrumental in establishing China’s presence in the Indian Ocean and fostering diplomatic ties with numerous Southeast Asian and African nations. The fleets, consisting of colossal treasure ships and armed vessels, showcased the Ming Dynasty’s naval prowess and technological advancements. Zheng He’s missions aimed to project Chinese power, enhance trade relationships, and assert the Ming Dynasty’s dominance in the maritime sphere.

Despite the grandeur of Zheng He’s voyages, they were abruptly discontinued, and subsequent Ming emperors adopted a more insular approach, focusing on land-based concerns. The reasons for this shift remain debated, with factors such as domestic issues, economic considerations, and a change in imperial priorities cited.

Zheng He’s legacy endures as a symbol of China’s early maritime exploration and its brief but impactful

engagement with the wider world. The epic scale of his voyages highlights a unique chapter in Chinese history when the nation played a leading role in global maritime exploration centuries before the Age of European Exploration.

Silver in the Ming Dynasty

In the Ming Dynasty, silver played a pivotal role in the empire’s economic policies, notably with the implementation of the Single-Whip System. This taxation system, introduced during the late Ming period, required that all taxes be paid in silver rather than in kind. As a result, the demand for silver skyrocketed, leading the Ming government to seek external sources to fulfill this need.

Initially, the Ming Dynasty relied on silver imports from Japan, where extensive silver mines were operational. However, as Japan began to limit its exports and the demand for silver continued to rise, the Ming turned to alternative sources. The establishment of trade routes through the Philippines, following the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, facilitated direct access to the vast silver mines of the Americas.

The introduction of American silver into Ming China via the Manila Galleon trade route provided a substantial and consistent supply. Spanish-controlled territories, particularly in present-day Mexico and Peru, became the primary sources of silver, meeting the Ming Dynasty’s growing economic demands. This influx of American silver not only stabilized the Ming economy but also contributed to the flourishing of trade networks across the Pacific.

The influx of silver had significant economic consequences, contributing to inflationary pressures during the later years of the Ming Dynasty. This inflation, coupled with other economic challenges and internal strife, added to the complex factors that eventually played a role in the decline of the Ming Dynasty.

The Little Ice Age

The Little Ice Age, spanning from the 14th to the mid-19th century, left a profound impact on China, touching various aspects of its society and environment. Agriculture, the backbone of China’s economy, faced significant challenges as the cooling temperatures led to shortened growing seasons and adverse weather conditions. Crop failures and frequent famines ensued, placing immense strain on the population and contributing to social unrest. The scarcity of food resources triggered migrations and heightened tensions within communities. The altered climate patterns also affected China’s river systems, influencing transportation, irrigation, and water availability. Geopolitically, the climatic upheavals could influence the stability of ruling dynasties and impact China’s relations with neighboring regions. Despite the hardships, communities and governments implemented adaptation strategies, including changes in agricultural practices and attempts to develop more resilient crop varieties. The Little Ice Age, while posing significant challenges, prompted adaptive responses that played a role in shaping China’s historical trajectory.

New Food Crops from the Americas

The introduction of crops from the Americas, such as cassava, corn, peanuts, and potatoes, to China during the Columbian Exchange had a significant impact on the nation’s agriculture and population dynamics. These crops, adapted to various climates and soils, provided alternative and nutritious food sources. The cultivation of corn and potatoes, for instance, offered increased yields and became important staples in Chinese diets. This agricultural diversification, coupled with the introduction of new crops, contributed to population growth as people had access to more reliable and varied food options. However, sustaining the burgeoning population proved challenging in the long run. While these American crops initially supported demographic increases, they also brought about ecological and agricultural challenges. Issues such as soil depletion and the need for crop rotation became evident, emphasizing the importance of balanced agricultural practices to maintain the newfound food security in the long term.

The End of the Ming Dynasty

The Ming Dynasty’s downfall in the 17th century resulted from a combination of internal issues and external threats. Pirate raids, peasant revolts, and famine plagued the empire, creating chaos. In a desperate move, the Ming court invited Manchu warriors from Manchuria for assistance. However, this decision backfired, and in 1644, the Manchu forces seized Beijing, ousting the last Ming emperor. This event marked the end of the Ming Dynasty and the rise of the Qing Dynasty.

The Manchu in China

The Qing Dynasty, before they established rule over China, were the Jurchen people of Manchuria. The Jurchen were originally a Tungusic-speaking people inhabiting the northeastern region of Asia. In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, under the leadership of Nurhaci, the Jurchen began consolidating power in Manchuria, unifying various Jurchen tribes. Nurhaci laid the foundation for what would later become the Qing Dynasty.

After the fall of the Ming Dynasty in 1644, the Jurchen, led by Nurhaci’s descendants, entered China, seized control of Beijing, and established the Qing Dynasty. Over time, the Qing rulers adopted Chinese Confucian governance and assimilated into Chinese culture, maintaining their Manchu identity while ruling over a multi-ethnic empire. The Qing Dynasty ruled China from 1644 to 1912.

The Qing Dynasty

The Qing Dynasty, which ruled China from 1644 to 1912, was the last imperial dynasty and one of the longest-reigning in Chinese history. Established by the Manchu people from Manchuria, the Qing Dynasty rose to power after the fall of the Ming Dynasty. Under the leadership of figures like Nurhaci and Kangxi, the Qing rulers successfully consolidated control over a vast and diverse empire.

The Qing Dynasty is renowned for its economic prosperity, cultural achievements, and territorial expansion. Emperor Kangxi, in particular, is remembered as one of China’s greatest emperors, fostering stability, encouraging arts and sciences, and expanding the empire’s borders. The reign of Emperor Qianlong marked another peak, characterized by cultural flourishing and extensive territorial reach.

However, the later years of the Qing Dynasty witnessed internal challenges, including corruption, population growth, and social unrest. External pressures from Western powers also strained the empire. The Opium Wars in the mid-19th century and the Boxer Rebellion at the turn of the 20th century highlighted the empire’s vulnerabilities.

The Qing Dynasty came to an end with the Xinhai Revolution in 1911, leading to the establishment of the Republic of China. Despite its complexities and challenges, the Qing Dynasty left a lasting impact on Chinese history, influencing the nation’s culture, governance, and identity.

An Ethnic Elite

The ethnic elite of the Qing Dynasty was composed of the ruling Manchu class, who hailed from the northeastern region of Manchuria. Distinctive policies were implemented to maintain the separation between the Manchu ruling class and the Chinese population. Chinese individuals were prohibited from learning the Manchu language, reflecting an intentional effort to preserve the cultural and linguistic distinctions between the two groups.

Intermarriage between Manchus and Chinese was also strictly regulated, reinforcing social barriers and preserving the distinctiveness of the Manchu identity. Another notable aspect was the imposition of a unique hairstyle, known as the “queue,” on the Han Chinese population. This required men to shave the front of their heads and wear a long braided ponytail at the back, symbolizing submission to Manchu rule.

These policies, collectively known as “ethnic markers,” were part of the Qing Dynasty’s strategy to maintain social order, control, and distinctiveness between the ruling elite and the Han Chinese majority. Despite these measures, over time, cultural blending occurred, and the Manchu ruling class became increasingly integrated into Chinese society.

Kangxi

Emperor Kangxi, the fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, ruled over China from 1661 to 1722 and left an indelible mark on the country’s history. Under his reign, Kangxi accomplished significant military, political, and cultural achievements. One of his notable military endeavors was the successful conquest of Taiwan in 1683, bringing the island under Qing control and quelling opposition from the Zheng family.

Kangxi’s rule also witnessed expansive territorial growth. He extended Qing influence into Mongolia, Central Asia, and Tibet, consolidating the empire’s control over these regions. Kangxi’s efforts in stabilizing the northern and western frontiers contributed to the prosperity of the Qing Dynasty.

Aside from his military accomplishments, Kangxi was a patron of the arts and learning. He supported the compilation of the Kangxi Dictionary, a comprehensive Chinese dictionary that became a cornerstone of linguistic scholarship. Kangxi’s reign is often regarded as a period of relative peace, economic prosperity, and cultural flourishing, earning him a reputation as one of China’s greatest emperors.

Qianlong

Emperor Qianlong, the sixth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, held a reign marked by both military conquests and cultural achievements. Under his rule from 1735 to 1796, the Qing Empire reached its zenith in territorial expansion. Qianlong launched successful military campaigns that resulted in the annexation of Vietnam, Burma, and Nepal as vassal states.

The conquest of these territories solidified Qing dominance in East and Southeast Asia, extending the empire’s influence beyond its traditional borders. Qianlong’s military successes were, however, accompanied by an emphasis on cultural development. He was a notable patron of the arts and played a crucial role in the flourishing of Chinese literature, painting, and porcelain production during his reign.

Despite these accomplishments, Qianlong’s later years saw challenges, including economic strain and internal rebellions. Nonetheless, his reign remains a pivotal period in Chinese history, characterized by both military prowess and cultural vibrancy.

China and Europe

Interactions between China and Europe were shaped by China’s longstanding dominance in trade negotiations. China, with its advanced civilization and economic strength, controlled the terms of trade and often dictated the conditions under which European nations could engage in commerce. However, as the European powers sought to expand their influence in the region, tensions arose.

In 1724, the Qing Dynasty, under Emperor Yongzheng, took measures to restrict European activities. Christianity was officially banned in 1724, reflecting a suspicion of Western religious influence. The Qing government also restricted foreign trade to the port of Canton in 1757, limiting European access to Chinese markets. Additionally, in response to perceived disrespect and defiance of Chinese authority, some European traders were expelled from the country.

These actions were indicative of China’s efforts to maintain control over its affairs and limit foreign influence. Despite occasional tensions, the trade interactions between China and Europe during this period played a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of global commerce and cultural exchange. Much of the silver from the Americans flowed to China as Europeans wanted to buy Chinese tea, silk, and porcelain.