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), he oversaw a golden age marked by territorial expansion and cultural patronage but faced challenges like the White Lotus Rebellion in his later years.

Xinjiang: This region, meaning "new frontier," was conquered under Qianlong, adding significant territory to the empire and becoming notable for the Uyghur people and Muslim revolts against Qing rule.

Eight Banners: The Qing military system organized Manchu society into banners, though by Qianlong's death, many bannermen had adapted to urban life, leading to corruption.

Concubines in Qing China: These women were often of modest backgrounds and bore children for wealthy men; notable examples include Empress Dowager Cixi, who rose to power from this position.

Jinshi: This title was awarded to students who excelled in the rigorous imperial examination system, granting them fame and eligibility for high office.

Jesuits: Members of the Society of Jesus who resided in the Qing court, they sacrificed much to study Chinese civilization and share Western knowledge without proselytizing.

Giuseppe Castiglione: An Italian Jesuit and artist at the Qing court, his work blended European and Chinese styles, contributing to the design of the Old Summer Palace.

Old Summer Palace: An architectural masterpiece blending Chinese and Western styles, this imperial residence was 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 to preserve and celebrate Chinese culture.

Confucianism: A philosophy promoting societal harmony through education, respect for hierarchical relationships, and the importance of virtuous behavior.

Kaozheng: An intellectual movement emphasizing evidence-based scholarship, indicating that Confucian thought was able to evolve.

Dream of the Red Chamber: A famous novel by Cao Xueqin depicting the life of an elite family during the Qing dynasty, recognized as a classic of Chinese literature.

Grand Canal: This essential waterway linked the Yellow and Yangzi Rivers, vital for trade and transportation within China.

White Lotus Rebellion: A peasant uprising against the Qing dynasty led by the White Lotus Society, which highlighted the discontent among the lower classes.

Queue: A distinct Manchu hairstyle required of Han subjects to signify their subservience; the term also refers to a line or sequence.

Civil Service Exam system / Imperial Examination System: A merit-based system established to select government officials based on scholarly achievement, deeply rooted in Confucian principles.