Paper 3, Section 7: Challenges to traditional East Asian societies (1700–1868) The nature and structure of imperial rule under the Qing dynasty; Qianl

Qianlong

The fifth emperor of the Manchu-led Qing Dynasty (reigned 1736-1795), overseeing a golden age of territorial expansion and cultural patronage.

Xinjiang

A region meaning 'new frontier,' conquered under Qianlong, notable for the Uyghur people and Muslim revolts against Qing rule.

Eight Banners

The Qing military system organizing Manchu society into banners, with many bannermen adapting to urban life by Qianlong's death.

Concubines in Qing China

Women of modest backgrounds who bore children for wealthy men, exemplified by Empress Dowager Cixi's rise to power.

Jinshi

A title awarded to students excelling in the imperial examination system, granting them fame and eligibility for high office.

Jesuits

Members of the Society of Jesus who studied Chinese civilization and shared Western knowledge in the Qing court.

Giuseppe Castiglione

An Italian Jesuit and artist at the Qing court, known for blending European and Chinese styles in art.

Old Summer Palace

An architectural masterpiece of mixed styles, looted and destroyed by foreign troops during the Second Opium War.

Four Treasuries

A monumental collection of Chinese literature and philosophy initiated by the Qianlong Emperor.

Confucianism

A philosophy promoting societal harmony through education, respect for hierarchy, and virtuous behavior.

Kaozheng

An evidence-based intellectual movement indicating the evolution of Confucian thought.

Dream of the Red Chamber

A classic novel by Cao Xueqin depicting the life of an elite family during the Qing dynasty.

Grand Canal

An essential waterway linking the Yellow and Yangzi Rivers, vital for trade and transportation in China.

White Lotus Rebellion

A peasant uprising against the Qing dynasty, highlighting discontent among the lower classes.

Queue

A distinct Manchu hairstyle required of Han subjects, also referring to a line or sequence.

Civil Service Exam system / Imperial Examination System

A merit-based system for selecting government officials based on scholarly achievement.