China Limits European Contacts Advances under the Ming and Qing Dynasties left China self-contained & uninterested in European contact.

The Rise of the Ming Since 1279, the Mongols under Kublai Khan ruled China as the Yuan Dynasty In 1368, a Chinese peasant, Hongwu, commanded a rebel army that drove the Mongols out of China Hongwu became the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty

The Ming Dynasty Hongwu began his rule by increasing food production, improving irrigation, and raising cotton & sugar cane He brought stability to China through respected traditions and institutions Restored the merit-based civil service examination system Hongwu became a ruthless, untrusting tyrant who put to death many people he suspected of plotting against him

The Ming Dynasty China was dominant power in Asia under the Ming Dynasty Vassal states paid the Ming regular tribute China expected Europeans to also pay tribute Ming rulers were not going to allow outsiders from distant lands to threaten the peace and prosperity the Ming had brought to China after ending Mongol rule

Yonglo’s Curiosity Hongwu’s son Yonglo continued his policies and moved the royal court to Beijing Yonglo was curious about the outside world and in 1405 he launched the first of seven voyages of exploration This was even before the Europeans began their expeditions Yonglo wanted to impress the world and wanted to expand China’s tribute system

Voyages of Zheng He Chinese Muslim admiral, Zheng He, led all of the 7 voyages Zheng He distributed gifts to show Chinese superiority More than 16 countries sent tribute to the Ming Dynasty Chinese scholar-officials thought voyages wasted valuable resources that could be used for Chinese defense against attacks After 7th voyage, China withdrew into isolation

Ming’s Foreign Policies Trade policies reflected China’s isolation Kept influence of outsiders to a minimum Only gov’t able to conduct foreign trade through only three coastal ports Did not keep merchants from smuggling

Ming Economy Demand for Chinese goods influences economy Silk & ceramic industries grew Commerce & manufacturing increased Yet, China did not become highly industrialized 1) Idea of commerce offended Confucian beliefs 2) Chinese policies traditionally favored agriculture

Ming’s Foreign Policies Missionaries followed traders into China Brought Christianity and knowledge of European science & technology Most Chinese opposed the European & Christian presence

The Forbidden City When Yonglo moved the Chinese capital to Beijing, he ordered the building of a great palace complex to symbolize his power and might Took 14 years to build, with red walls 35 feetin height Known as the “Forbidden City” because commoners and foreigners were not allowed to enter

Rise of the Qing Dynasty Ming Dynasty weakening Ineffective rulers, corrupt officials, lack of $ High taxes, bad harvests, rebellion Manchus (of Manchuria to the north) invaded as the Ming collapsed Seized Beijing, and took name of Qing Dynasty

China Under the Qing At first, the Chinese people did not accept the new rulers, who were not Chinese However, the Qing emperors won their support Took steps to improve conditions in China Preserved Chinese traditions (such as Confucian beliefs) Kangxi was the most powerful Qing ruler

Chinese Isolation Continues If foreign states wanted to trade with China, they would have to follow Chinese rulers Trade only at certain ports Pay tribute through the “kowtow” ritual Dutch willing to accept rules, became trading partner English did not accept, China did not back down

Life in Qing China The production of rice & long period of peace gave people better lives Nutrition improved, population doubled Women suffered in this period Sons valued over daughters Many infant girls killed, daughters had few rights