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Qing Dynasty - MSN Encarta |
 | | The Qing empire appeared so orderly and prosperous in the 18th century that the French philosopher Voltaire praised the Chinese for having the most effectively organized government that the world had ever seen. |
 | | The founders of the Qing dynasty were members of the Jurchen tribes, a nomadic people who hunted, fished, and raised horses in the area that is now northeastern China. |
 | | Taking China’s superiority for granted, Qing rulers demanded that foreign countries engage in what has come to be called the “tributary system.” Representatives from foreign states showed their subservience to Chinese rulers by kowtowing (knocking their heads on the ground) before the emperor, and by offering gifts, or tribute. |
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