Definition

1. Proper Noun:
   • The last imperial dynasty of China: The Qing dynasty was the final ruling dynasty of Imperial China, established by the Manchu people. It lasted from 1644 to 1912, when it was overthrown by revolutionaries, leading to the establishment of the Republic of China.

Usage Examples

• Proper Noun:
  • The Qing dynasty expanded China's territory to its greatest historical extent.
  • Many traditional Chinese art forms flourished during the Qing dynasty.
  • The fall of the Qing dynasty in 1912 marked the end of thousands of years of imperial rule.

Advanced Usage

• "Late Qing period": Refers to the final decades of the dynasty (roughly the 19th and early 20th centuries), a time of significant internal decline, foreign pressure, and reform movements.
  • The Late Qing period was characterized by unequal treaties with Western powers.
• "Qing court": Refers specifically to the imperial government and the emperor's inner circle during this dynasty.
  • Decisions made by the Qing court often faced opposition from Han Chinese officials.

Variants and Related Words

• Manchu Dynasty: Another name for the Qing dynasty, highlighting its ethnic Manchu origins.
• Qing: Often used as a shortened form of "Qing dynasty."
• Qing-era (adj): Used to describe something from the time of the Qing dynasty.
  • A Qing-era porcelain vase.

Synonyms

• Manchu Dynasty: The imperial house of the Qing.
• Last Dynasty of Imperial China: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its historical position.

Related Phrases

• "Overthrow of the Qing": A common historical phrase referring to the Xinhai Revolution (1911-1912) that ended dynastic rule.
  • Sun Yat-sen was a key figure in the overthrow of the Qing.
• "Qing rule": Refers to the period and system of governance under this dynasty.
  • Under Qing rule, the queue hairstyle was mandated for men.

Noun

1. the last imperial dynasty of China (from 1644 to 1912) which was overthrown by revolutionaries; during the Qing dynasty China was ruled by the Manchu