The Ming Dynasty in China was a time of growth and prosperity, attracting foreign trade and knowledge. The Qing Dynasty that followed continued some of these policies but faced challenges, leading to a decline in state control and stability. Despite initial success, the weakening state eventually led to foreign invasions and internal unrest, causing the empire to lose its previous gains. To address these issues, the Qing elite implemented a "Westernization Movement" to seek foreign aid and technology to save the empire.