Early Modern Era
Ming / Qing Dynasties
1451 AD – 1750 AD · peak 1750 AD
The Ming dynasty (1368–1644) oversaw the construction of the Forbidden City and the naval expeditions of Zheng He before adopting isolationist policies. It was succeeded by the Manchu-led Qing dynasty (1644–1912), which expanded China's borders to their greatest extent and presided over significant demographic growth. The imperial system collapsed in the early 20th century following internal rebellions and foreign colonial pressures.
Capital: Beijing
Key figures
Battles in this period
Trade routes in use
- Trans-Saharan Gold Route (700 AD – 1500 AD)
- Hanseatic League (1200 AD – 1600 AD)
- Indian Ocean Spice Route (800 AD – 1500 AD)
- Cape Route (1500 AD – 1869 AD)
- Manila Galleon (1565 AD – 1815 AD)
- Atlantic Triangular Trade (1600 AD – 1808 AD)
- Tea Clipper Route (1720 AD – 1900 AD)