Qing Dynasty
1644-1912
EQ: What was the political and
social structure in China when
Europeans arrived?
Key Terms: Manchu, Qing Dynasty, Kangxi
The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City

What does the term “Forbidden City”
mean?

Who/What was forbidden?
The Forbidden City

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The Forbidden City

“Deep in the center of Beijing, far from the ordinary
people, was the Forbidden City, where the emperor
resided and carried out affairs of the state. Spread out
over a large area were audience halls, libraries, and
theaters, all covered in tile roofs glazed in a yellow
reserved solely for the emperor. Surrounding this area
was the Imperial City, with granaries, temples, residences
for high officials, and workshops of artisans who
provided services and goods for the imperial household.
Circling that was the Tartar City, occupied by Manchu
Bannermen; and to the south was the Native City, where
the Chinese resided. Each of these cities within cities had
its own wall, which clearly organized and defined the
status of its residents.”
The Forbidden City

What does this say about social classes in
China?

How would you feel?
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

Known for Arts and Scholarship

Finished the construction of the Great
Wall
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

After a brief exploration period, China
limited the size of its ships and interaction
with trade.
◦ Zheng He

Did not want contact with the outside
world
◦ Only government was allowed to conduct
trade with foreigners in 3 ports
◦ Could be imprisoned or killed if caught
trading with foreigners.
Qing Dynasty (1644-1912)

Who were the Manchus????
 Group of people Northeast of China
 Thought of as barbarians by the Chinese

Manchus able to invade and overthrow
Ming Dynasty
 Crossed the Great Wall
 Corruption and peasant rebellions aided in their
victory
Qing Dynasty (1644-1912)

Manchus named their new rule the
“Qing” Dynasty

Three rulers reigned for 133 years!!!!!!
 What does that say about the Qing rule??
 What did they do that the people of China liked?
Qing Dynasty (1644-1912)

Early Problems
◦ Did not allow intermarriage between Manchu and Han Chinese
◦ Required all Han Chinese men to dress like the Manchu men
 Viewed this as humiliation
Qing Dynasty (1644-1912)

Peace and Prosperity Arrives
◦ Population more than DOUBLED in 200
years
 150 million to 300 million
◦ Agriculture became more productive
◦ Internal trade made Chinese economy strong
 Still isolated from the rest of the world
Kangxi (r. 1662-1722)

Ruled for 60 YEARS!!
◦ Only 8 years old when he took the throne

Won over the Elite Society by inviting
scholars to come to his palace
 Kangxi Dictionary (composed all the Chinese
characters)
 Compilation of Tang Poetry
Lowered taxes and reduced government
spending
 Expanded the borders of China

Kangxi, the Qing Dynasty and the
Rest of the World

Issued the Edict of Toleration
◦ Recognized Catholicism
◦ Legalized the practice of Christianity by
missionaries and the Chinese people

Qing began to allow limited trade with
the outside world

Only accepted silver as payment
◦ Became an extremely wealthy empire