Founded as an amalgamation from different tribes in the late 16th century from what is today known as Manchuria, throughout the Qing dynasty they continued to develop their sense of identity. As the rulers of Chinese territory, they adopted culturally Chinese methods of rule, but they also remained sensitive to the different needs of some of their other territories.

The nature of being Manchu evolved during the nearly three centuries of the Qing dynasty as, like all dynasties, it engaged with and even sought to emulate high points of the past. The court did not entirely abandon its warlike origins, but members of the Manchu elite were expected to be competent horsemen and archers while also demonstrating cultivation of the gentlemen-scholar world.

The definition of the Han identity has varied over time, although throughout most of history Han Chinese have comprised the largest ethnic group in China. During the Qing dynasty Han Chinese who had entered the Eight Banners military system were considered Manchu. In the latter period of the dynasty many groups seeking to overthrow the imperial system emphasised their Han identity in order to promote nationalist sentiment.

The term Mongol generally refers to the East-Central Asian ethnic group of tribesmen brought together under Genghis Khan's reign during the thirteenth century. Mongols were known for their horsemanship and fierce military prowess, although their power began to wane during the fourteenth century. During the late sixteenth century and early seventeenth centuries the Manchus were able to subjugate the Mongols and absorb their troops. Eventually, the Qing ruled the entire territory that comprises modern day Mongolia.

The Qing dynasty replaced the Ming dynasty. The Ming had continued dominance through military rule, which was contrary to the Confucian tradition of civilian control. However, economic growth under the Ming led to increasing literacy and expanded consumption of elite culture: more people had money and time for leisure; there were fewer positions in the civil service; those failing the civil service examinations had high levels of literacy and turned to literature, medicine or teaching; and there was an increase in printed material.

The Xinhai Revolution broke out on 10 October 1911 In Wuchang, when a republican–minded military unit mutinied. Forced prematurely into action, the uprising spread to other provinces and by December Nanjing was taken. Sun Yat-sen returned to China on Christmas Day and he was installed as interim President on 29 December 1911. The Republic of China was declared on 1 January 1912. The Emperor abdicated in February 1912 and power was transferred to the Republic.

• Key features (social, cultural, economic, political) of ONE Asian society at the start of this period (ACDSEH093)
• Change and continuity in the Asian society during this period, including any effects of contact (intended and unintended) with European power(s) (ACDSEH094)
• The position of the Asian society in relation to other nations in the world around the turn of the twentieth century (that is 1900), including the influence of key ideas such as nationalism (ACDSEH142)
• The significance of ONE key event that involved the Asian society and European power(s), including different perspectives of the event at the time (ACDSEH141)