3.7 Notes

Institutional continuity across the transition from the Yuan dynasty to the Ming dynasty

Even though native Chinese rule was restored after overthrowing the Mongol Yuan, foundational administrative structures, philosophical doctrines, and ethical codes remained core continuities shaping imperial governance.

Doctrinal justification for dynastic succession and the overthrow of an emperor

The Mandate of Heaven, which asserted that emperors held power only through divine favor; corruption, imperial failure, or moral decay caused heaven to withdraw its approval, legitimizing rebellion and replacement.

Major state construction and infrastructure initiatives overseen by Emperor Yong Le

Relocating the imperial capital to Beijing, constructing the Forbidden City, extensively fortifying and extending the Great Wall, and renovating the Grand Canal.

Primary economic and logistical purpose of renovating the Grand Canal under the Ming

Facilitating domestic commerce and ensuring the reliable transit of southern grain shipments to northern urban populations and military outposts.

Scope and strategic intent of Zheng He's maritime expeditions

Deploying an armada of 62 large junk ships staffed by roughly 28,000 men to project imperial prestige, expand Chinese geopolitical influence, and establish diplomatic and commercial contacts across the Indian Ocean.

Ming foreign policy shift following the death of Zheng He

The imperial court abruptly terminated state-funded overseas maritime voyages and redirected state resources inward toward domestic stability and northern border defense.

Geographic limitations placed on European maritime trade during the Ming era

Portuguese merchants were isolated to the trading outpost of Macao, while all other European trading operations were strictly restricted to the port of Canton.

Primary items and knowledge exchanged between China and Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries

Europeans introduced clocks and eyeglasses to China, while Europeans received Chinese movable type printing, architectural concepts, and medical practices such as inoculation.

Internal domestic factors that led to the collapse of the Ming dynasty

Paralyzing court factionalism, exorbitant taxation of commoners, devastating harvest failures resulting in widespread famine, and the massive peasant rebellion led by Li Zicheng that captured Beijing in 1644.

Dual-governance strategy used by the Qing dynasty to rule a Han Chinese majority

Retaining a distinct Manchu cultural and legal identity while adopting traditional Chinese administrative frameworks, ruling philosophies, and civil service systems to win political acceptance.

Mandatory imperial decree used by the Qing to enforce Han submission

The queue order, which legally required all adult males under penalty of death to shave their foreheads and braid their hair into a traditional queue.

Key diplomatic and territorial achievements of Emperor Kangxi

Subduing unrest along the northern and western frontiers, conquering Taiwan in 1683 to extinguish Ming loyalist resistance, and negotiating the border and trade terms of the Treaty of Nerchinsk with Russia.

Signs of structural strain and imperial decline during the later reign of Emperor Qianlong

The rise of corrupt court factions, escalating regulatory tensions with European traders, and the financial devastation caused by the White Lotus Rebellion (1796–1804).

Impact of the 1500–1800 population surge on rural Chinese society

Created severe demographic pressure that significantly reduced the average plot of arable farmland available to each peasant household.

Major literary innovation that emerged during the Ming and Qing dynasties

The widespread publication and popularity of full-length vernacular novels depicting realistic social life and dynastic fortunes, exemplified by The Golden Lotus and The Dream of the Red Chamber.