Qing Dynasty
During the Qing Dynasty, China was ruled by the Manchus, a tribe of foreigners from
northeastern China. The reigns of the first three emperors, which lasted for 133 years,
were a time of peace and prosperity for China. The Qing Dynasty adopted their form
of government from the Ming Dynasty and held minor adjustments. The Qing were very
successful as foreign rulers in China. They maintained their domination of the Chinese while
preserving their own identity. They spent their summers in their homeland of Manchuria,
which was closed to the Chinese. The Qing instituted changes in the dress of the Chinese.
They required Chinese men to shave their heads and wear queues. They also required them
to wear Manchu clothes. Chinese women were forbidden to bind their feet. This proved impossible
to enforce and in 1668 the ruling was withdrawn. The period of peace that followed the ascension
of the Qing Dynasty allowed for growth in all areas. Public works were repaired and maintained,
taxes were very light compared to previous dynasties, and if famine struck, the taxes were
reduced even more.Commerce and international trade grew. This type of peace allowed for a
revival of the arts and learning. Porcelain production continued to be important and new colors,
such as shades of green, and compositions of black and yellow, were developed. A dark blue
and brilliant red were also used. Painting was important, and for the first time European influences were seen.
For the first time, European missionaries were allowed into China and influenced Chinese ideas about science.
northeastern China. The reigns of the first three emperors, which lasted for 133 years,
were a time of peace and prosperity for China. The Qing Dynasty adopted their form
of government from the Ming Dynasty and held minor adjustments. The Qing were very
successful as foreign rulers in China. They maintained their domination of the Chinese while
preserving their own identity. They spent their summers in their homeland of Manchuria,
which was closed to the Chinese. The Qing instituted changes in the dress of the Chinese.
They required Chinese men to shave their heads and wear queues. They also required them
to wear Manchu clothes. Chinese women were forbidden to bind their feet. This proved impossible
to enforce and in 1668 the ruling was withdrawn. The period of peace that followed the ascension
of the Qing Dynasty allowed for growth in all areas. Public works were repaired and maintained,
taxes were very light compared to previous dynasties, and if famine struck, the taxes were
reduced even more.Commerce and international trade grew. This type of peace allowed for a
revival of the arts and learning. Porcelain production continued to be important and new colors,
such as shades of green, and compositions of black and yellow, were developed. A dark blue
and brilliant red were also used. Painting was important, and for the first time European influences were seen.
For the first time, European missionaries were allowed into China and influenced Chinese ideas about science.