China overview: 1400-1915

Ming Dynasty

Jan 1, 1368

By 1368, the Ming Dynasty booted out the last of the Mongol rulers in China and restored power over the empire to the native Chinese. The Ming Dynasty ruled until 1644; during this time, the Mimg built a strong centralized government based on traditional Confucian principles, brought back the civil service exams, and removed the Mongold influence by spreading the Chinese culture

Zhenghe Expeditions

Mar 5, 1405

Zhenghe led 7 major expeditions overseas, this occurred during the reign of the third Ming Emperor.

Mongols

Jan 1, 1450

Although the Mongols were brutal, they brought the world together. By 1450, as the Mongol Empire was well into its decline, the world would never again be disconnected.

Innovations

Jan 1, 1450

At a time when competition among the Europeans resulted in big risks and innovations, the Chinese and Japanese returned to more traditional lifestlyes in order to maintain stability while retaining powerful land-based empires, which allowed innovations in shipping and weaponry.

Printing

Mar 9, 1456

There was a communication system that allowed more trade and interactions with other nations

Fleets

Jan 1, 1500

In the early 15th century, the Chinese built huge fleets. Zheng He led fleets throughout southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. The fleets were seen as an inovation because they were seen as a great way to trade and explore.

Shoguns

Jan 1, 1542

During the sixteen century in Japan, a series of shoguns continued to rule. As the century continued, Japanese feudalism began to wane and centralize power began to emerge.

Silver

Jan 1, 1588

The Ming government tried to rise thier falling economy by changing its currency from paper money to silver. With the discovery of American silver sources, China established trade relations with the Spanish through the Philippines

Qing Dynasty

Jan 1, 1644

In 1644, the Ming emperor invited a group of Qing warriors, from nearby Manchuria, to help him quell a peasant uprising, but instead the Qing ousted the emperor. With this, the Ming Dynasty ended and the Qing Dynasty began.

Expansion

Jan 1, 1661

Kangxi, ruler 1661-1723, and Qianlong, ruler 1735-1796, were Confucian scholars. Both emperors supported the arts and expansion for their empire. Kangxi conquered Taiwan and extended the empire into Mongolia, Central Asia, and Tibet. Qianlong added Vietnam, Burma, and Nepal to the vassal states of China.

Christianity

Jan 1, 1724

In 1724, Christianity was banned from China because they felt threatened by European advances.

Trade

Jan 1, 1757

In 1757, trade was restricted to just one city, Canton. However, trade with Europeans was substantial. The Europeans bought large quantities of tea, silk, and porcelain. In exchange, the merchants received huge sums of silver, which created a new rising class of merchants in Chinese coastal cities.

Opium Wars

Mar 9, 1839

War in which people were fighting because of the way opium was produced

British control

Mar 9, 1843

Britain declared Hong Kong as theirs and established a birth is colony in the region

Manchu Dynasty

Mar 9, 1844

They were forced to permit the Christian missionaries back into the country

Japanese war

Mar 9, 1894

Sending Chinese soldiers to korea

Republican Revolution

Mar 9, 1911

There was a war in Wuchang.