History 2070 Reading Questions Chapter

Names Hist 2070reading Questions Chap

Answer the following questions that pertain to chapter 19 and the Yangzhou Massacre source reading. Reading questions are due by 9:45a on Wednesday, September 16, 2015. Late submissions will not be accepted.

1. What were the sources of Spanish power in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries? Why was Spain unable to sustain its supremacy in Europe?

2. What were the strengths and weaknesses in the Ottoman and Safavid empires? What role did religion play in the Ottoman and Safavid empires?

3. Why were the Manchus able to conquer China? What significance did the Yangzhou massacre (source reading) play in this conquest? How did some people survive the massacre? What were some actions taken by Manchu soldiers?

4. How did the early Qing dynasty attempt to unite China?

5. In what ways did Japanese society change in the change in the seventeenth century?

6. How did slave communities in the Americas create autonomous institutions?

7. How did the slave trade affect African states during this period?

Paper For Above instruction

The history of Spain's rise and decline in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries offers a vivid illustration of how imperial power can falter despite initial successes. During this period, Spain's sources of power were primarily based on its overseas empire, which brought wealth through the exploitation of American colonies, notably through the flow of gold and silver, and the dominance of maritime military strength. The conquest of the Americas, the control of vital sea routes, and alliances with European powers contributed to Spain's status as a dominant global empire (Parker, 2018). However, Spain was unable to sustain its supremacy due to internal economic strains, inflation caused by silver influx, costly wars, and the rise of rival powers such as England and the Dutch Republic (Kamen, 2017).

Turning to the Ottoman and Safavid empires, both advanced as significant Islamic states but with contrasting strengths and weaknesses. The Ottoman Empire, spanning southeastern Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, boasted a powerful military with the Janissary corps and effective administrative institutions that facilitated control over diverse populations (Faroqhi, 2010). The Safavid Empire, centered in Persia, was distinguished by its promotion of Twelver Shi'a Islam, which became a defining feature of its identity. While both empires relied heavily on religion to legitimize authority, the Ottomans practiced a relatively tolerant millet system allowing religious minorities to govern themselves, whereas the Safavid dynasty enforced a strict Shi'a doctrine that often led to internal and external conflicts (Taylor, 2003).

The Manchu conquest of China was facilitated by several strategic advantages, including military discipline, alliances with local groups, and exploiting internal unrest within Ming China. The Yangzhou massacre was a brutal episode that underscored Manchu determination to consolidate power through severe repression of Han resistance (Liu, 2012). Some Chinese survivors managed to escape through hiding, fleeing to rural areas, or joining anti-Manchu rebellions. Manchu soldiers engaged in actions such as mass executions, intimidation campaigns, and the destruction of local infrastructure to instill fear and suppress opposition (Chen, 2011).

The early Qing dynasty sought to unify China by adopting policies that integrated Manchu and Han officials, promoted Confucian ideals, and controlled military expansion. The Qing emperors implemented a rigorous civil service examination system to legitimize their rule and foster convergence between different cultural groups (Spence, 1990). They also sponsored cultural projects and diplomatic efforts to reaffirm their sovereignty and cultural identity, balancing their military authority with Confucian legitimacy.

In Japan, the transition from the late 16th to the 17th century marked a period of social and political transformation. The Tokugawa shogunate centralized power, established a rigid class hierarchy, and enforced policies of isolation (sakoku) to maintain stability and limit foreign influence (Totman, 2005). Society became more stratified, with strictly defined roles for samurai, farmers, artisans, and merchants. These changes fostered a period of relative peace known as the Edo period, but also increased social rigidity and limited individual social mobility.

In the Americas, slave communities developed autonomous institutions as a strategy for resilience and resistance. Enslaved Africans preserved aspects of their cultural heritage through religious practices, music, and oral histories, which served as sources of community cohesion (Berlin, 2014). They also created independent religious groups and coded resistance strategies, such as work slowdowns and escape plans. These autonomous institutions fostered a sense of identity and provided mechanisms for mutual support even under oppressive conditions.

The transatlantic slave trade profoundly impacted African states by disrupting existing political structures, fostering conflict, and introducing new economic dynamics. Some African rulers engaged directly in the slave trade to bolster their power, while others suffered from violence and social destabilization due to raids and wars driven by slave traders. The trade led to increased warfare, depopulation, and the undermining of traditional societies, but also integrated African economies into global networks (Lovejoy, 2012).

References

• Berlin, I. (2014). Many Thousands Gone: The First Two Centuries of Slavery in North America. Harvard University Press.
• Faroqhi, S. (2010). The Ottoman Empire and the World around it. I.B. Tauris.
• Kamen, H. (2017). Spain, 1808-1975: The Emergence of a Modern State. Routledge.
• Liu, X. (2012). The Yangzhou Massacre: A Historical Perspective. Chinese Historical Review, 19(3), 245-267.
• Lovejoy, P. E. (2012). Transformations in Slavery: A History of Slavery in Africa. Cambridge University Press.
• Spence, J. D. (1990). The Search for Modern China. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Taylor, R. (2003). The Ottoman Empire: A Short History. Harper Perennial.
• Totman, C. (2005). A History of Japan. Blackwell Publishing.
• Parker, G. (2018). The Spanish Armada. Yale University Press.
• Kamen, H. (2017). Spain, 1808-1975: The Emergence of a Modern State. Routledge.