How, and Why, Was the Ming Dynasty Followed by Another

question 72

Essay

How, and why, was the Ming dynasty followed by another non-Chinese dynasty so soon after the Yuan? Was it again a situation in which Chinese disunity proved fatal? Why? Why were the Manchus so successful at establishing a foreign dynasty in China, and what were the main characteristics of Manchu rule? How did economy and society change during the Ming and Qing eras, and to what degree did these changes seem to lead toward an industrial revolution on the European model?

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Definitions:

Psychological Moratorium

A period when adolescents experiment with different roles, values, beliefs, and relationships.

Life Roles

refer to the various positions individuals occupy in society, each with its own set of expectations, duties, and responsibilities.

Identity Diffusion

A status of unclear or poorly formed personal identity, often leading to confusion and indecision about personal values, career choices, and beliefs.

James Marcia

A developmental psychologist known for his work on adolescent identity formation and the Identity Status Interview method.