In the vast history, the population growth curve of the Qing Dynasty pierced the night sky like a meteor, which amazed the world. From the 70 million in the fledgling Qing Dynasty to about 400 million, the Qing Dynasty became the most populous dynasty in history.
Looking back at history, we can't help but ask: what caused the population of the Qing Dynasty to grow so explosively? The answer is actually very simple, in its solid governance system, pragmatic tax and household registration management system, and its introduction and promotion of advanced agricultural technology.
The Qing Dynasty achieved long-term social stability and territorial unity
The stability of the Qing Dynasty was first and foremost due to the solid foundation of its rule. The three emperors of Shunzhi, Kangxi and Qianlong, the 150-year prosperous era, laid a solid foundation for the social stability and territorial unification of the Qing Dynasty.
The data shows that the number of civil wars during the Qing Dynasty was relatively small, and most of the time it was in a state of peace and stability. This is inseparable from its strictly centralized system.
The Qing Dynasty implemented the policy of co-governance, cohabitation, marriage, and employment among all ethnic groups, which made the relationship between the five major ethnic groups, including Han, Manchu, Mongolian, Tibetan, and Hui, even closer. Ethnic integration promotes social harmony and stability and creates favorable conditions for population growth.
The Qing Dynasty introduced a tax system and a household registration system that was conducive to population growth
In terms of taxation system, the Qing Dynasty implemented "discretionary rent regulation". This system is relatively fair and reduces the tax burden on farmers. The study found that under this system, the increase in tax revenue in the Qing Dynasty did not lead to a decline in the quality of life of the peasants, but led to a gradual improvement in the living standards of the peasants. This provides a strong guarantee for population growth in rural areas.
In terms of the household registration management system, the Qing Dynasty implemented a strict policy of "touching households" to ensure the accuracy of household registration. This not only helps to count the population, but also provides a stable living environment for farmers.
The household registration system of the Qing Dynasty had a significant effect on reducing the floating population and enhancing the stability of the peasants' lives.
The Qing Dynasty introduced and popularized high-yielding crops and advanced agricultural technologies
During the Qing Dynasty, a series of high-yield crops such as corn, potatoes, and sweet potatoes were introduced to China as contacts with the outside world gradually strengthened. These crops are highly productive and adaptable, providing farmers with an additional source of food.
In the middle of the Qing Dynasty, with the widespread cultivation of these high-yielding crops, the total output of agricultural products increased substantially.
At the same time, the Qing Dynasty also carried out a lot of innovation and promotion in agricultural technology. The cultivation technology of rice and the improvement of agricultural tools have provided strong support for agricultural production. In the middle and late Qing Dynasty, the efficiency and output of agricultural production increased substantially.
epilogue
The population explosion of the Qing Dynasty was no accident. Behind this was the Qing Dynasty's long-term social stability, pragmatic tax and household registration management system, as well as its openness and innovation in agricultural technology and crop cultivation.
History is the best textbook, and the history of population growth in the Qing Dynasty provides us with valuable lessons, that is, social stability, people's happiness, and scientific and technological progress are the cornerstones of a country's prosperity.