The Manchu Conquest, led by the Qing dynasty, had lasting effects on many aspects of Chinese culture and society. From military aspects to changes in language, religion and philosophical thought, the Manchu Conquest created a China that was quite different from the one that came before.
One lasting impact of the Manchu Conquest was the weakening of China’s military power. The Manchurians were renowned for their strong military capabilities, and they easily overwhelmed the Ming military during their conquest. As a result, the Qing dynasty placed an emphasis on creating a standing army and bureaucracy which were much more regulated and organized than those of the Ming dynasty. This weakened the traditional military power of aristocratic families who had previously been the mainstay of Chinese armies.
In addition, the Manchu Conquest resulted in the spread of Manchu language and culture throughout the Chinese Empire. This was done in part to make the Manchus appear more legitimate as rulers over China, but also to give the Manchus greater access to the resources of the Chinese state. Chinese civilians were required to learn Manchu, and many attended classes devoted specifically to its study. Manchu also became the official language of the Chinese court and its written form was used for official documents and decrees.
The Manchu Conquest also had an impact on religion and philosophical thought in China. Buddhism was heavily suppressed by the Manchus due to its association with the Ming dynasty. Many Buddhist temples were destroyed, and their adherents were persecuted or driven away. In its place, the Manchus imposed their own distinct brand of shamanism and ancestor worship, which is still practiced in parts of modern-day China.
The Manchu Conquest also had an effect on Chinese literature. Literature written in classical Chinese was discouraged, and Manchu was used as the official language of the court and its literary works. This had the effect of making literature more centralized and uniform, which had a significant impact on the development of Chinese literature in the centuries that followed.
The Manchu Conquest also had a profound effect on the art of China. Many of the artistic conventions that came before were replaced with Manchu style and influence. Artists also drew upon Manchu mythology and folklore when creating new works. This had the effect of introducing a foreign element into Chinese culture and art, one that would be seen in many facets of Chinese culture in the centuries that followed.
In conclusion, the lasting effects of the Manchu Conquest on China are numerous. From a weakening of military power to the introduction of Manchu language and culture, the Manchus had a profound impact on the development of Chinese culture, language, religion, philosophy, literature and art. These effects were felt for centuries afterwards, and many aspects of modern Chinese culture can be seen to have their roots in the Manchu Conquest.