Final answer:
The silver trade in China during the Ming and Qing Dynasties had political effects such as global economic integration, the rise of the merchant class, and government policies like the Canton System.
Step-by-step explanation:
The silver trade had significant political effects in China during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. One of the major effects was the global economic integration of China into the world economy. The influx of silver from Europe and the Americas stimulated domestic trade and expanded China's commercial network.
Another political effect was the rise of the merchant class. As silver became the dominant form of currency, merchants gained more economic power and influence. This led to a shift in political dynamics, as the merchant class started to challenge the traditional feudal aristocracy.
Furthermore, the silver trade also had a direct impact on government policies. The Chinese government implemented a strict fiscal policy, known as the Canton System, to regulate and control the silver trade. This system granted exclusive trading rights to the port of Canton (Guangzhou) and restricted foreign trade to a limited number of guilds.
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