Pyramid Shaped Societies in China and China’s Long Modernization Reading: Smith (on China), , , , , D 16.5: “Letter to King George: China and Great Britain”
Qin Shih Huang – First Chinese Emperor
The Song Dynasty- ( ) Italian Marco Polo visited in 1275, overwhelmed by China’s wealth and splendor- far higher living standard than that of the West. And since we have got thither I will enter
Complex internal market systems- proto-capitalism silk production paper currency
1500 C.E.- China’s Place in the World China is the most economically advanced, wealthiest and politically united region in the world. New World Economy- based on the Asian market pull of tea, silk, porcelain, spices. China primarily exports- little need for European goods.
Comparable in size and complexity to all of Europe China is composed of many populations and religions—42 or more ethnic groups in China today –Practiced Buddhism (various forms), ancestor worship, Christianity (from ancient world), Islam –Most in China also believed in Confucian or Daoist philosophy Widespread ideology of unity- “all under heaven.” May partially explain ability to rule such a vast empire: –Family (not so much individual) central
Ming Dynasty ( ) Hongwu and the “Red Turbans” overthrow the Mongols Ming Porcelain
Yongle Emperor Moved capital north to Beijing Constructed Forbidden City Developed Chinese Encyclopedia Buried in large Ming tomb
Explorations of Zheng He, 1400, marks the end of Song/Yuan traditions of ocean exploration Largest ships in the world sent by the Yongle Emperor. Explorations did not seek to establish colonies or trade.
Shift in Global Dynamics around 1500 Europe began exploring and conquering the New World China became increasingly absorbed with internal affairs
China turns its energies towards internal development- expansion and consolidation Protect borders from constant invasions: Restore and Expand Great Wall – 1550 miles long, feet tall Grand Canal built from the coast to Beijing tied the country together and eliminated the need for coastal trade
Why Did Europe Surpass China Technologically and Militarily? -CHINA: ---Population outgrew resources and capital ---Rice agriculture offered little incentive for modernization – very productive but subject to catastrophic flooding -Peasant Wars and Subsistence Crises -EUROPE: ---capital and slave labor of New World. ---Science and Industrialization
Chinese Growing Problems Ming economic reforms: -End of money and credit system and tax reforms reduce capital -Quest for silver Internal affairs lead to isolationist policy Education and examination system - Biggest education system in the world focused on Confucian philosophy and literature rather than sciences -Competitive civil service system led to rise of large gentry class which weakened central control
Wanli -Lived Extravagantly in "Forbidden City" Drank, Smoked Opium, Played with concubines -Used Eunuchs to Deal with Govt. -Threatened by Pirates 1520s-1560s -Threatened by Manchus War Taxes 1630s--Famines -Many Peasant Revolts - Later Emperors no better: Beijing captured by Bandits and Manchus Qing Dynasty formed c 1645
Warfare system differed from that of Europe -Threat from North led to concern about horses and fighting on horseback -Gunpowder technology as a strategy of war seems less developed than west