University:
University of Pennsylvania
Course:
HIST 0050 | Late Imperial China
Academic year:

2021
Views:

136

Pages:

24
Author:

Alma Stephenson

China China during the Mı́ng dynasty (1368-1644) • Domestic dynasty founded by a poor peasant turned general (Zhū Yuánzhāng) who defeated the Mongols. • Even if later substituted by the Qı̄ng dynasty (1644-1912), of foreign origin, many of its features survived: “late imperial China.” • Expansion in the south: the new frontier (according to Braudel 'USA or Canada). • Despotic early emperors that used extensive force to keep order, although later they mellowed down into ineffectiveness (Wànlı̀ emperor, 1572-1620). • Powerful elite of a meritocratic bureaucracy and eunuchs. • Literati culture in Lower Yángtzı̆ with high levels of urbanization, publishing, and trade. • Trade revolution: silk, porcelain, silver. 50 51 N Provinces and Provincial Capitals of the Ming Dynasty LIAODONG Beijing NORTH ZHILI Taiyuan SHANDONG Jinan SHANXI Yellow Sea Kaifeng SHAANXI Xi’an SOUTH ZHILI HENAN Nanjing Hangzhou Wuchang ZHEJIANG SICHUAN Nanchang HUGUANG Chengdu JIANGXI Fuzhou FUJIAN GUIZHOU Guiyang Guilin GUANGXI Guangzhou Yunnan YUNNAN GUANGDONG 250 miles 0 500 km 52 53 The examination system • Selection of civil servants. • Tested knowledge of the classics according to a rigid interpretation: 1. Analects of Confucius (Kŏng Zı̆), the Mencius, the Great Learning, and the Doctrine of the Mean (the Four Books, Sı̀ Shū). 2. Neo-confucian interpretation by Zhū Xı̄. 3. From 1487, even structure of essay (eight-legged) clearly fixed. • Quota system by provinces. • Different levels (with some simplification): 1. Shēngyuán (government student): administered at exams held in the county level each year⇒100,000. 2. Jŭrén (recommended man), a provincial graduate, administered at the provincial level every three years. 3. Jı̀nshı̀ (presented scholar), a metropolitan graduate, administered in the capital every three years⇒2,000-4,000. • Political-economic effects? 54 55 56 57 The mandate of heaven changes hands • Manchu invaders from the north. • Nurhaci is the founder of the modern Manchu state. • Mı́ng dynasty weaken by incompetent emperors and several peasant rebellions. • Chain of events. 1. Lı̆ Zı̀chéng leads a peasant revolt that proposes dividing land equally and abolishing the grain tax. 2. Rebels enter Běijı̄ng in 1644 and last Mı́ng emperor, Chóngzhēn, commits suicide. 3. Wú Sānguı̀, a Mı́ng general, turns around and allies himself with Qı̄ng. Rebels are defeated. 4. Manchus conquered Běijı̄ng and declare his first emperor: Shùnzhı̀ of the Qı̄ng dynasty. 5. Mı́ng loyalist regimes exist in Southern China until 1662. 6. Kāngxı̄ consolidates his power by defeating the Revolt of the Three Feudatories. 58 59 60 " ~ (r. ." ';' ~."'

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