Final answer:
In 1644, following the capture of Beijing by peasants led by Li Zicheng, Ming bureaucrats asked the Manchus for help. The Manchus crossed the Great Wall, with the aid of Ming general Wu Sangui, overthrew Li Zicheng, and established the Qing Dynasty, starting a new era in Chinese history known as the Qing golden age.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1644, after the Ming dynasty was weakened due to corruption, high taxes, and numerous peasant revolts, the peasants led by Li Zicheng revolted and captured Beijing, leading the Ming bureaucrats to seek assistance from the Manchus. Li Zicheng declared himself ruler but did not establish his dynasty as the Manchus, taking advantage of the situation, swept into China through the opened gates of the Great Wall by Ming general Wu Sangui.
The Manchu forces, under the Qing dynasty, defeated Li Zicheng's army and took control of Beijing on May 27, 1644, marking the end of the Ming Empire and the beginning of the Qing dynasty.
The adoption of Chinese administration and governance by the Manchus attracted many Chinese bureaucrats and army officers to their side. As the Qing dynasty established itself, it eventually brought all of China under control by 1683, promoting traditional Chinese culture, emphasizing Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Trade with Europe continued under certain restrictions, and the succeeding period was considered the Qing golden age, especially during the rule from 1661 to 1722.