The "Great" Encounters of China and the West from 1500 - 1800
             For three centuries, between 1500 and 1800, Europe and China experienced extensive contact, which had enormous influence on both cultures. The greatness of Chinese and European cultures was demonstrated by their ability to influence large areas of the world. While the influence was never equal in both directions, there was always at least some type of influence flowing in both directions, so that the movement was never entirely flowing one way. Similar tactics of cultural borrowing and assimilation were apparent in both directions. During the Enlightenment, Europe used Confucianism to support its goal of placing Christianity into Chinese culture. China's literati used Christianity as well, as an attempt to remove Buddhist and Daoist influences from Confucian teachings. These three centuries saw a strong flow of influence from China to Europe, increasing European admiration for China within the time period.
             The first substantive encounter between China and the West began when the Portuguese entered Southern China in the early 1500's. Many Chinese, including some of the most creative thinkers of that time, responded to the information and teachings brought by the Europeans. The mission of the Jesuit's had to be specialized for the uniqueness of the culture in China. Certain elements of the Chinese must be accepted by the Europeans in order for the Christian faith to be inculturated there. A blend of Confucianism and Christianity was created in order to criticize Buddhism and Daoism to successfully convert prominent scholar officials. The Jesuit had a 'top-down' approach in converting prominent scholar officials. The Jesuits concentrated on converting the most powerful and influential people first so that they could influence lesser individuals to follow their example.
             With the founding of the Qing dynasty, the...