The Great Divergence

Vocabulary flashcards from the lecture on 'The Great Divergence', focusing on key concepts and events related to the economic and historical developments in 19th century China and Europe.

The Great Divergence

The sharp rise of Western wealth and power relative to Asia, particularly China, during the nineteenth century.

Manchu Empire

Also called the Qing period, it was the last of China's Imperial Dynasties, lasting from 1644 to 1912.

Qianlong Emperor

The emperor during the high point of the Manchu Empire, ruling from 1736 to 1795.

Coal and Colonies

Key factors that contributed to Europe's industrialization and economic development, enabling it to escape population constraints.

Pomeranz's Argument

The belief that the Great Divergence was a result of local availability of quality coal and strategic economic advantages of colonialism, not cultural differences.

Malthusian Trap

A theory by Thomas Malthus suggesting that population increase would result in devastating economic and political consequences.

Ecological Factors

Elements that influenced the Great Divergence, such as soil fertility and agricultural productivity in different regions.

Taiping Rebellion

A massive civil war in China from 1850 to 1864 that severely weakened the Qing dynasty.

Opium Wars

Two wars in the 19th century between China and Western powers (1839-1842, 1856-1860) that contributed to China's decline.

Boxer Rebellion

An anti-foreign, anti-colonial uprising in China from 1899 to 1901 that aimed to rid the country of foreign influence and strengthen nationalism.