China: late imperial history 1279–1900

For the earlier history of China, see China: early imperial history 221 BC–AD 1279.

The period 1279 to 1900 opened with the establishment of the vast Mongol Empire and the subsequent Yuan dynasty under Kublai Khan, but his successors after 1294 were less able. The Chinese regained control with the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), although it was more famous for its art and culture than its military might. The Manchu invaded from the north in 1619, establishing the Qing, or Manchu dynasty, (the last imperial dynasty of China) in 1644.

European interest in China, first encouraged by traders and explorers such as Marco Polo under the Mongols, re-emerged in the 16th century. The Portuguese established permanent trading posts and sent in Christian missionaries, but conflicts between Chinese and European traditions and values eventually led to a policy of exclusion under the Manchu from the early 18th century. Further conflicts on the reopening of trade in the late 19th century led to the Opium Wars waged by Britain against China. The second half of the 19th century was also a time of internal conflict, with the Taiping and Boxer rebellions.