Maritime-ban policy and its impacts on Chinese society under the Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

Abstract

The maritime ban was among the essential policies of the Qing dynasty implemented during their reign (1644 - 1911). This policy was conducted to eradicate the “oppose Qing and restore Ming” forces and prevent the aggression of western colonial powers. Implementing the maritime-ban policy, the Qing government partly pacified internal rebels and prevented harmful impacts from outside western colonial aggressions. Apart from those positive impacts, however, the policy left consequential results that severely concerned the Chinese people, as well as Chinese diplomacy and the tributary trade system.