AROUND THE AP WORLD DAY 66: RUSSIA & MANCHU EMPIRES
Introduction to the Early Modern Period
Transition from Post-Classical to Early Modern
- The first two units of AP World History cover the post-classical period (1200-1450) and transition into the early modern period (1450-1750), characterized as the "age of empires."
- Focus will be on land-based empires in Unit 3 and maritime empires in Unit 4 over the next ten days.
Overview of Land-Based Empires
- Discussion will include major land-based empires such as Russia and China, with a reminder that other significant empires like the Aztecs, Incas, Tokugawa Japan, and Songhai exist but are not emphasized in the curriculum.
The Russian Empire: Key Figures and Concepts
Ivan the Great's Influence
- Ivan the Great is pivotal for Russian history; he defeated Mongols, married into Byzantine royalty, and established Russia's identity as a successor to Rome.
- He adopted the title "Tsar," which signifies his role as a ruler akin to Caesar. This reflects Russia's claim to be part of a historical continuum from ancient Rome.
Peter the Great's Reforms
- Peter the Great is noted for his efforts in westernizing Russia through modernization initiatives after traveling to Western Europe. His reign marks a significant shift towards integrating Russia into global dynamics.
China: Ming Dynasty Challenges and Qing Dynasty Establishment
Ming Dynasty Decline
- The Ming dynasty faced severe challenges including economic issues related to silver shortages and natural disasters like earthquakes during this period (1450-1750). These factors contributed to their loss of power known as losing "the mandate of heaven."
Rise of Qing Dynasty
- The Manchus invaded from Manchuria, establishing the Qing dynasty which would last until the 20th century; they integrated into Chinese society while maintaining distinct governance practices such as diarchy—sharing power between Chinese officials and Manchu rulers.
Cultural Integration Under Qing Rule
Mandated Cultural Practices
- A notable cultural imposition by the Manchus was requiring citizens to adopt specific hairstyles (the cue), which served both practical purposes for identification and symbolic integration within Chinese culture. This reflects broader themes of cultural assimilation during imperial rule.
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