Ming China, 1368 -1644 CE and Qing China 1644-1800 CE

Power Acquisition: Ming China, 1368 -1644 CE and Qing China 1644-1800 CE
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Power Acquisition: Ming China, 1368 -1644 CE and Qing China 1644-1800 CE
1.0 Introduction
It is undeniable that the process of acquiring power is much easier than maintaining power and influence over the people one is set to rule and govern. One can acquire power through forceful take over, but in order to retain power and influence, one must build a good relationship with the people he governs. The true ability of a leader is tested when one is under pressure and this pressure tends to build up over time due to various reasons, for instance, the struggle to maintain ones influence while at the same time satisfying the needs of the different people he governs. In most cases, seizing power lacks the legitimacy required by the members of a particular state to govern and lead effectively. In such cases, the credibility of the leaders is put to question and their leadership might not be as effective as expected, therefore, the probability of losing the acquired power is high. The Ming and Qing dynasties are examples of empires that rules China 1368-1800 CE and the struggle for power was eminent during this period. This essay explores the concept of power acquisition that was predominant during the Ming China (1368-1644) and the Qing China (1644-1800), with emphasis on political, economic and cultural landscape in China during their rule.
2.0 Ming China, 1368 -1644 CE
Beginning 1368, several empires fought to attain leadership and influence and despite the fact that they were the leaders during that era, their influence slowly subsided and their ability to retain their power diminished over time creating kingdoms whose leaders had questionable integrity. Under the Ming dynasty that took power over from the Mongol Yuan dynasty in 1368, the Chinese witnessed a change in lifestyle, especially in the way they were clothed, fed, educated, and importantly, the manner in which they were ruled. The ability to retain power lies solely with the will of the people and the suitability of the leader to lead the country socially, economically, politically and in some cases leaders are expected to lead their own people into war against their enemies. Through all these aspects, the authoritative aspect of a leader should be clearly portrayed otherwise the leader loses power and influence over the people he governs.[Clunas, C. (2013). Screen of Kings: Royal Art and Power in Ming China. New York: Realkton Books. p.1] [Yamashita, M., & Lindesay, W. (2007). The Great Wall: From beginning to end. New York: Sterling, p.76]
2.1 Politics and Government in Ming Dynasty
In Ming China between 1368 and 1644 AD for instance the emperor made sure that the government had absolute control over the different issues in the society. He came up with different political uprisings to ensure that his leadership was stable and firm. The political uprisings he led resulted in the death of thousands of people and his style of leadership was not that considerate to the needs of the people he governed. He cared less about the lives of his people and his sole aim was to gain a solid political influence over thousands of people who were forced to bow to him due to his leadership style. With this kind of leadership, however, the Ming government was not able to reach its full potential and it never achieved the goals it had set for its success. The emperor went ahead to further prohibit China from interacting with the more civilized cultures and it banned all the efforts of its citizens to travel abroad and meet up with people of different cultures and different ethnic groups. The result of the implementation of the policy led to stability in China.[Clunas, C. (2013). Screen of Kings: Royal Art and Power in Ming China. New York: Realkton Books. p.1]
2.2 Economy
The emperor allowed different explorers to infiltrate different western countries and explore what made them stand out in such an era. His main aim was to bring development to China and expand the influence of China into other nations in the hope of growing the economic status of the country. If a country had sufficient economic power during that time, it was considered influential. Gaining experience by interacting with different nations, therefore, put China in a high position of influence as its trade relations also improved with time. The explorers sent out to discover the outside world brought along several souvenirs which impressed the people of China and as a result they discovered the art of porcelain making. It is during this period that several manufacturing enterprises were created to support the manufacture and creation of such beautiful artifacts that are still recognized in the world up today.
2.3 Culture and Society
During this period, the level of education and the ability to write and publish different articles and novels also increased. The number of works written and published during this period superseded all the writings presented in other dynasties. At this particular time frame, the influence of the Ming Dynasty was at its peak. People admired the several achievements that were witnessed during this period and other people were jealous of the emperor’s leadership. The great influential potential the dynasty had acquired was so great that it was difficult to imagine its influence would decline at some point.
2.4 The fall of the Ming Dynasty
The unexpected downfall of the Ming Dynasty, however, happened despite the huge glory it had formally received. The influence the Eunuchs had over the emperors grew to a point where it was difficult to control and maintain their growing influence over the people. The efforts to restore the glory of the emperors bore no fruits and all the efforts were thwarted by the extensive influence the eunuchs had gained. The people, therefore, began doubting the potential of the emperors to restore sanity and function effectively in the running of the different government functions. The loyalty of the people became questionable and it became hard for the emperors to regain control over the people. The issues of mistrust in the leadership of the government led to the creation of a rebellious nature of the people towards the government and its ability to make sound governorship decisions towards the betterment of the country.[Clunas, C. (2013). Screen of Kings: Royal Art and Power in Ming China. New York: Realkton Books.]
Other factors, for instance, the encroaching wars by the Mongolos and the Japanese further weakened the Ming leadership. The areas affected most by these wars were the east coast areas and their loyalty towards the emperors therefore dwindled. During the famine in the 17th century, the government failed to provide food for its citizens and this further strained the already doubtful relationship between the government and the people. Their dependency on the government reduced and the government’s ability to influence the people failed completely. This was considered one of the major downfalls that the Ming Dynasty faced in the years in was in leadership. The curtains finally fell on the Ming Dynasty when Beijing was captured by nomads from northeastern China in 1644. The Dynasty came to a complete end and that was the last anyone ever heard of the Ming Dynasty.[Guy, R.K. (2017). Qing governors and their provinces: the evolution of territorial administration in China, 1644-1796. Washington, D.C: University of Washington Press] [Duindam, J. (2016). Dynasties: A global history of power, 1300-1800. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press,.60]
3.0 Qin...