Fall of Ming and Rise of Qing Dynasty

Meanwhile in China, the Ming Dynasty was plagued by various problems such as a bad harvest year, inflation from new world silver, low population growth, disorder and chaos all led to the downfall. In 1644, under the leadership of Li Zicheng, the Manchu Qing Empire invaded Beijing and the Qing Dynasty began in China. In 1662, Emperor Kangxi became the ruler at the age of sixteen and implemented many changes in China. He adopted technology and incorporated them from Mongols, Koreans, Chinese and European sources into mainstream Chinese life. The Jesuit order of Catholicism enjoyed access to the Imperial palace and won many converts in China. The Europeans also established various trade routes and engaged in vigorous trade with mainland China.

Silk, tea, porcelain, other decorative items, and wallpaper were among the items the Europeans sought from the rich and prosperous Qing Dynasty. The Canton trade system, robust agricultural sector and a peaceful country led to dramatic population growth in China under the Qing. However, this led to more problems as increased population gave rise to higher crime rates, stresses on environment and agriculture, countryside rebellions, migration. It also led to disorder in society as officials were not able to control the population effectively, leading to less taxation income as the officials were not able to college the taxes. The standards for government jobs were declining, revenue was drying up, increased corruption, thieves and rebellions as well as European presence were all just some of the problems that plagued the Empire during the late 1700s.