World Civ Spring 11.3

The Qing Dynasty and the Macartney Embassy

By the middle of period C, the Ming dynasty faced a rebellion and was compelled to request help from the Manchu people to the north. By "calling in a tiger to chase out a dog," the Ming dynasty brought about its own end. The Manchus took the name "Qing" and moved the capital north, to the city of Beijing. They also built what was arguably the high point of Chinese economic and cultural power, conquering all of what is today modern China and requiring tribute from nearly all of SE Asia. By the end of period C, however, the economic prosperity had led to corruption and rebellion, and strange visitors from across the sea foreshadowed difficult times ahead.

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Key Questions:

In what ways did the Manchu invasion and rule fit the Chinese pattern of history?

-consider both the principles of the dynastic cycle and Middle Kingdom

-give and explain examples for each

What evidence might the Qianlong Emperor give to support the notion that he enjoyed the "Mandate of Heaven?"

What led to instability towards the end of period C for the Qing dynasty?

Explain how Lord Macartney's mission to China demonstrates cultural, political, and economic misunderstandings between the Chinese and the British.

Homework:

Read Pages 28-31 in your reader. Annotate as you read, then answer the above questions in a google doc.