17th Century China and Europe

The Ming Dynasty

The Ming Empire ruled china from 1368 - 1644. The Ming dynasty existed during a time of many international changes that affected the dynasty's stability, especially in the 17th century. Much of these changes that occurred in China were attributed to Europe's demand for Chinese silk and porcelain in exchange for silver. As a result, social and cultural norms were upset throughout China and the government was unable to maintain power as a result.(Ebrey, 190)

Map of Ming Dynasty. Phono by Kallgan. Click [1] for original source.

Fiscal Collapse

Despite the economic growth of the 16th century, the government lost solvency through mismanagement. Near the end of the Ming dynasty, the government had nearly bankrupted itself. Stipends were a large contributer to this situation. During the reign of Wanli, nearly 23,000 clansmen were receiving stipends from the government.(Ebrey, 214) Millions of ounces of silver were also being used by the government for military campaigns. Along with the more obvious failings of the government, natural developments within all dynasties contributed to financial problems. As the population grew, expenses grew along with it. At the same time, wealthy land owners were able to obtain more land from the peasantry while at the same time finding ways to pay less taxes. This was unsustainable, especially as the government was unable to assist the peasantry during natural disasters and intrusion by invading forces. In comparison with Europe, one can see unique declines in population during the 17th century for China's population. Famine resulting from a little ice age and resulting gangs were some of the main contributors to the deaths of millions of Chinese. The government was unable to combat these gangs or provide food for the people suffering from crop failure. Hordes of beggars soon became common sight.(Ebrey, 214)

Chinese and European population comparisons. Photo by Kanguole. Click [2]for original source.

China's economy had become dependent on the silver coming in from Europe. In 1639, the Japanese would not allow traders from macao into Nagasaki. Much of the silver that went into china came through these trades. At this same time, tensions between China and Spain increased in Manilla leading to deaths of over 40,000 Chinese.(Ruiz-Stovel, 47) As a result, trade with Spain was ended, and another significant source of revenue was cut off that had allowed the Ming Dynasty to continue despite the other problems they were facing in the 17th century.

Jesuit Missionary Work in China

With the fall of the Ming Dynasty in 1644, some Jesuit missonaries were able to transition into the new Manchu led government. However, many were imprisoned

Chinese Pottery

Chinese porcelain from the 17th century.Photo by World Imaging. Click [3] for original source.

References

• Ebrey, Patricia Buckley. Cambridge Illustrated History of China, 2nd Edition. (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2010).
• Mungello, D. E. The Great Encounter of China and the West, 1500-1800, 2nd Edition. (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2005)