Qianlong was one of the most famous monarchs in the past dynasties. Because during his reign, it was the most powerful period of the Qing Dynasty. History calls it a prosperous time. He himself is very proud of his achievements. Calling himself "the old man in Shiquan", he pacified Junggar twice. Pacify Jinchuan twice. Pacify Nepal twice. Once pacified Burma. This is also a brilliant feat. And at that time, the country was rich and strong. People live and work in peace.
However, Gan Long likes luxury goods very much. He thought that the world under his rule was prosperous and stable, so he often visited Jiangnan, so officials along the way overhauled the palace, paved the way, and prepared etiquette supplies. All the shiny money has flowed out. How does a local county government pay for itself? They all come from plundering people's fat and paste. Spending money so lavishly, I don't know how to save it, and I am blind and confident. How can the Qing Dynasty not perish?
And the Qianlong period made a bigger mistake. Maagel, the British envoy, came to the Qing Dynasty and said that he would establish diplomatic relations with the Qing Dynasty. Actually, he's here to explore. Touch the ins and outs of the Qing Dynasty. . But Gan Long thought it was a tribute. Get Maagel on his knees. Maagel, of course, will not promise. This concerns their dignity. Finally, under the mediation of all parties. Maagel and Gan Long met. Mag, brought from England, was a beautiful gift to Gan Long in the industrial age.
But Gan Long doesn't care. I think it's just a trick of foreigners. China has vast territory and abundant resources, and doesn't care about those things at all. Moreover, he also thinks that the pirates along the coast of Lingnan are extremely restless and afraid that these pirates will collude with those foreigners. Just close the door.
Closing the door to the outside world is a good security guarantee from the beginning, which can prevent collusion between insiders and outsiders. But it can't resist the foreigners' strong ships and guns. This also affects the opportunity to accept advanced technology and ideas from the world. Let the Qing dynasty lag behind the world for one or two hundred years, and you will be beaten if you lag behind. Modern times is a humiliating history. So now let's remember this lesson. Keep pace with the times. Never fall behind and get beaten again.