The Splendor of the Setting Sun: The "Kang-Qian Prosperity" in the Global Turmoil of the 17th and 18th Centuries

Author: Editorial Department of "Xuexi Ribao"
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2001-07-02
Features: All Party members, especially middle-aged and young cadres, must strengthen learning and practice to broaden their horizons, learn to keenly observe changes in world politics, economy, science and technology, culture, and always stay ahead of the times in terms of development, reform and opening up, and modernization. The Qing Dynasty lasted for 268 years from 1644 to 1911. From 1661 to 1796 is known in history as the "Kang-Qian Prosperity." During this period, China's economic level was leading in the world. In the late years of the Qianlong Emperor, China's total economic output ranked first in the world, its population accounted for one-third of the world, and its foreign trade was in surplus for a long time. It was also during this period that the Industrial Revolution occurred in the West, with science, technology, and productivity developing rapidly. However, the rulers of the Qing Dynasty at that time paid no attention to these major changes in the world, were arrogant and self-satisfied, and refused to learn advanced science and technology. As a result, in just over a hundred years, they fell far behind the Western countries and ultimately could not stand up to the strong fleets and powerful weapons of the Western powers. The lesson of this history is unforgettable! Jiang Zemin