Modern China First Midterm - Part 1

Tripartite government

A governmental system where political power is divided between a legislature, an executive, and a judiciary

Civil service exams

Standardized tests used to select candidates for government positions in Imperial China, emphasizing merit over birth

Footbinding

A traditional Chinese practice involving the tightly binding of young girls' feet to alter their shape, symbolizing beauty and status

Qing Dynasty (1644-1912)

The last imperial dynasty of China, known for its expansion, cultural achievements, and eventual decline due to internal strife and external pressures

Manchus

A group of people from northeastern China who founded the Qing Dynasty and ruled over China from 1644 to 1912

Queue

A hairstyle worn by Manchus, characterized by a long braid of hair at the back of the head, while the front was shaved. It became a symbol of loyalty to the Qing dynasty

Banner system

A military and administrative organization established by the Manchus during the Qing Dynasty, dividing the population into distinct units for governance and military purposes

Dyarchy

A political system in which two officials share power over a particular area of government, often seen in the Qing administration to balance Manchu and Han Chinese interests in which Manchu and Han officials co-administered government affairs.

Li Zicheng (1606-45)

A Chinese rebel leader who led a peasant uprising against the Ming Dynasty, ultimately capturing Beijing in 1644, which contributed to the fall of the Ming and the rise of the Qing Dynasty

Wu Sangui (1612-78)

A Chinese general who played a crucial role in the transition from the Ming to the Qing Dynasty by opening the gates of Beijing to the Manchus, facilitating their conquest

Emperor Kangxi (r. 1661-1722)

The fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, known for his long reign, consolidation of power, and significant cultural and territorial expansion

Sacred Edict (1670)

A set of moral and political guidelines issued by Emperor Kangxi, intended to educate the population on Confucian values and reinforce loyalty to the Qing Dynasty

War of the Three Feudatories (1673-81)

A conflict initiated by three former Ming generals against the Qing Dynasty, leading to significant military campaigns and eventual consolidation of Qing power and territorial control in southern China

Jesuits; Rites Controversy

A theological dispute in the 17th and 18th centuries between Jesuit missionaries and the Catholic Church regarding the appropriateness of Chinese rituals and ancestor worship, impacting the spread of Christianity in China

Emperor Yongzheng (r. 1722-35)

The son of Emperor Kangxi, Yongzheng was known for his efforts to centralize power and implement reforms, enhancing state control and efficiency during his reign

Emperor Qianlong (r. 1735-99)

The sixth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, known for his military campaigns, expansion of territory, and cultural achievements, as well as for his role in the suppression of dissent and the consolidation of imperial power

Literery inquisition; Four Treasuries

A massive compilation of Chinese literature commissioned by Emperor Qianlong, aimed at preserving and standardizing texts while censoring works deemed inappropriate

Dalai Lama

The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and traditionally regarded as the highest spiritual authority in Tibetan culture

Tribute system

An ancient Chinese practice where neighboring states would pay tribute to the emperor in exchange for protection and trade benefits, reinforcing China's dominance

Canton system

A trade system established in the 18th century that restricted foreign merchants to the port of Canton (Guangzhou) and regulated their trade through licensed Chinese merchants, aimed at controlling foreign influence

Cohong

A group of Chinese merchants authorized to trade with foreign merchants under the Canton system, acting as intermediaries between them and the Qing government in charge of managing trade and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Lord Macartney’s mission (1793)

A diplomatic mission sent by Britain to establish trade relations with China, which ultimately highlighted China's refusal to accept British demands and its commitment to the tribute system