A Comprehensive History of China. Volume 3: The Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties

Author: Chen Zhiping, Chen Chunsheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: This textbook was organized and compiled by the Higher Education Department of the Ministry of Education. It focuses on the following historical processes: the formation and development of the Chinese people and the Chinese nation, the formation and development of the unified Chinese state, the formation and development of Chinese civilization and the cultures of various ethnic groups, and the formation and development of China's connections with the outside world. This narrative logic runs through the entire book, systematically expressing innovative thinking on the issues of China's historical process. The textbook strives to reflect the latest developments in academic research on relevant issues, comprehensively grasps the historical materials both handed down and unearthed along with their foundational research background, and extensively incorporates or discusses the positive achievements of cutting-edge research in related fields. On this basis, the authors of each volume, drawing on their long-term research accumulation, respectively elaborate on original insights with clear arguments and standardized reasoning.
The third volume, The Yuan, Ming, and Qing Periods, covers the period from the mid-13th century to the mid-19th century, focusing on the general development of the various ethnic groups in China, the unified Chinese state, and ancient Chinese civilization, as well as the partial changes in the traditional economy. It also explores the historical evolution of China resisting external invasions and beginning to transition toward modernization after the mid-19th century. This volume includes overview sections for the Yuan period, the Ming to Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty, and the late Qing period. It then systematically and innovatively elaborates on the institutional systems, socio-economy, social relationships, social life, intellectual culture, and China's foreign relations of each period, aiming to reflect the fundamental unity of general history and specialized history.