Life During Qing Dynasty
Qing emperors ruled an empire that was largely Chinese. As Manchurians they were outnumbered 30-1. In order to keep their control over the empire they reserved important government posts for Manchurians. They also maintained an army that was almost entirely Manchurian.
In order to keep peace, these Manchurian leaders adopted the beliefs and traditions of the Chinese, integrated themselves into their culture. Qing emperors lowered taxes, and promoted a number of public works projects to improve the lives of the people they ruled.
In 1645 the emperor ordered all men in China to shave their heads, leaving only a single braid in the back, or face being executed.
The public works projects, and improved farming techniques under the Qing Dynasty allowed the population to explode reaching more than 300 million, and making China the most populous nation on Earth.
