History vocab words Flashcards
The Manchu
A tribal and unified ethnic group from Northeast China that established the Qing “Pure” dynasty
1. Took over the south, Ming Dynasty
2. Manchu adopted Han beliefs, turning to mainly Confucian thought processes and beliefs
3. Though they adopted Han Culture, they still had unequal system to maintain power (ex. letting Manchu pass the exams w/ lower scores than Han
Han Chinese
Previously part of the Ming Dynasty, before Manchu took over, the largest ethnic majority in more Southern parts of China
1. Largely practiced and held Confucian beliefs: an intellectual system that is constantly reinterpreted through time
2. Hold high value in moral and ethnic beliefs. They follow orders and hugely rely on family relationships and respect for their elders
3. Held huge value in the 5 golden relationships (1. Father-son 2. Husband-wife 3. Emperor-subject 4. Elder brother-younger brother 5. Male friend-Male friend)
The Queue
Hairstyle enforced by the Manchu in the Qing Dynasty. Shaved head with only a ponytail
1. Manchu forced it upon the Han with the threat of death if they didn’t wear it
2. Stated that the Dynasty is a family with the emperor as the father. By not wearing the Queue, they are disrespecting their father
3. It Became a stereotypical hairstyle to show ancient China because it became the usual hairstyle for all men in every family.
Mandate of Heaven
A way in which to legitimize one’s ruling
1. Stating that one has the right to rule because heaven granted them that ability
2. Violence and killing the last emperor is the main way to gain rule and start a dynasty (say you have the mandate of heaven, and no one can prove you do not)
3. played a huge role in who ruled dynasties, why, and how they were proved they were worthy of ruling
Dynastic Cycles
The rise/fall of power within dynasty
Take Mandate of Heaven (overthrow last dynasty) -> prosperity (period of stability) -> problems (ruling gets lax, system breaks) -> famine rebellion -> Competition (someone else overthrows)
Filial Piety
respect/reverence to elders + ancestors
1. Confucian belief -> shown through 5 golden relationships
2. The idea of understanding/accepting your role in society to be happy and successful
3. ex: Qianlong ended his rule to not have a longer rule than his grandfather
Sinicization
The process of becoming Chinese
1. Explains the Qing Rule as they adopt Confucian beliefs and traditions
2. Mainly the process of adopting Han Culture, including language, beliefs, and traditions
3. Manchu also adopted the Han government, like the exam system. However, they did not allow many Han beliefs to maintain Manchu Control
Emperor Kangxi
Ruled from 1661-1722 and had one of the longest, most successful, and most influential
1. ruled 61 years, one of the longest dynastic review -> marked by stability and prosperity
2. His grandson gave up his throne early to not rule longer than him
3. Military achievements battling both internal rebellions and outside attempts on invasion
Confuciansim
intellectual system constantly reinterpreted through time
1. highly valued by the Han Chinese and, therefore, eventually the Manchu through the Qing Dynasty
2. Long-lasting traditions mainly focusing on morals and ethics as well as honoring family dynamics and those with more authority over them
3. Heavily influenced Chinese culture and education -> Institutions were established to promote literacy and philosophical studies.
Hong Taiji
(1592-1642) Founder of the Qing Dynasty who unified the Manchu Tribes
1. Strengthed military forces by unifying the Manchu tribes
2. Promoted Confucian ideas and traditions to the Hanchu
3. Called the “Qing” dynasty -> meaning that they created something new and pure
The Five Golden Relationships
Showed power dynamics between family members and the community
1. Father-son
2. Husband-wife
3. Emperor-subject
4. Elder brother-younger brother
5. Male friend-male friend
1644
The year that marked the end of the Ming dynasty
1. Rebellion within the Ming Dynasty, causing its downfall and suicide of the final Ming emperor
2. Rise of the Qing Dynasty as they took the opportunity to invade, solidifying their rule over china
3. Huge shift in Chinese culture, blending Han and Manchu traditions and beliefs
Civil Service Exam
set of exams that Chinese men would take to try and pass to have a better spot of authority and wealth in society
1. tested on Confucian classics and people’s ability to memorize
2. “eight-legged essay” long, based on memorization and strict writing outline
3. 4 levels (1. country seat 2. prefectural seat 3. provincial seat 4. palace
Confucian scholar-official
the main goal of all men working through the exam system
1. the main educated officials who passed all 4 exams and serve in government positions
2. Deeply influenced by Confucian ideas, emphasizing moral integrity, government, and education
3. Han were the majority, so they would pass a certain # of Manchu to keep their spots in power over Chinese rule
The Ming dual bureaucracy
a mixture of civil and military bureaucracies -> created a balance of power and efficient government
1. Civil-scholar officials, scholarly achievements, military defense, military backgrounds, and defense
2. Way to keep a balance of power so not only one is in charge and has too much power
3. Ming emperors, however still wanted to maintain control over both roles of the government
