EQ: How did Land Based Empires use art, architecture, and religion to legitimize their power?

Qing Dynasty Art

Do-Now:

Define the system of meritocracy

Define the Canton System
Describe how women were viewed
in the Qing Dynasty?

Directions: Break into pairs. Each student will complete 3 of the following research tasks. Then come back together to
answer the prompt.

EQ: How did Land Based Empires use art, architecture, and religion to legitimize their power?

Student A- Imperial Portraits Student B- Forbidden City

Watch The Forbidden City
Imperial Portraits
Read Imperial Court Portraits Forbidden City
Explore Qing Emperor Portraits 3d Tour of the Forbidden City
Qing Emperors

After researching, meet with your partner and ACE the following SAQ. Submit your SAQ by creating a new document
and attaching to schoology. If you met with a partner, please let me know in the document.

A. Identify and explain one way Qing Emperors used art to legitimize their rule.
The Qing emperors used art to legitimize their rule by using it as an expression of their power. This involved
creating portraits of royalty on horse back or seated on thrones to show themselves as intimidating and
commanding. By portraying in such a way, they were able to shape public opinion such that their subjects
would have greater respect for them, and their enemies would be more fearful.

B. Identify and explain one way Qing Emperors used architecture to legitimize their rule.
The forbidden city was created to help protect the royal family and to prevent them from harm. After a coup
occurred, the royal family created the forbidden city as a secure fortress where few people were allowed to
leave or enter. This kept them safe and allowed them to rule safely without worry of assassination or a coup.

C. Identify and explain one way Qing Emperors used religion to legitimize their rule (think back to yesterday for
this one!)
One of the biggest ways that the Qing emperors used religion to legitimatize their rule was by using the
mandate of heaven to justify taking over, rule and creating a dynasty. The mandate of heaven was the idea
that when an emperor gains power, they do so by the will of the gods. Following this idea, emperors could use
religion as evidence for their being on the throne and validate their sovereignty.