1616 – 1683 · Qing Dynasty vs Ming Dynasty vs Manchu
Jurchen invaders overthrew the Ming Dynasty, founding the Qing Empire that ruled China until 1912.
The Jurchen people, based in Manchuria, were organized by the Nurhaci and his son Hong Taiji into a confederation rivaling the Ming Dynasty. The Shunzhi Emperor, a child, was controlled by his Manchu regent. After the Ming collapse in 1644, the Qing armies poured south, conquering province by province. Chinese resistance under the southern Ming lasted until 1662 (Zheng Chenggong). The Qing consolidated power through the Kangxi and Qianlong reigns, suppressing internal rebellions (Three Feudatories War, 1673-1681) and extending borders to their largest extent. Military technology, including early cannons, played a key role.
The Qing became China's last imperial dynasty, ruling 268 years. Qing expansion created the territorial boundaries of modern China. The conquest prompted the adoption of Han administrative practices by the Manchus. The Qing's internal stability and expansion made it a dominant Asian power until Western imperialism challenged it in the 19th century.
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