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Which ethnic groups shaped Manchuria’s early history?
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Manchuria
The historical region of Manchuria shown with the boundaries of the modern-day Chinese provinces in its place as well as the portion of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region that is often considered part of Manchuria.
Prior to the 17th century, Manchuria’s early history was shaped by the convergence of three primary ethnic groups: the Chinese, the Tungus, and the Mongols (including Proto-Mongol groups).1
- The Tungus: These forest and plain dwellers practiced a mixed economy of agriculture, hunting, fishing, and livestock breeding. Over various historical periods, they were known by names such as the Sushen, Yilou, Fuyu, Mohe, Juchen, and eventually the Manchu.12
- The Mongols and Proto-Mongols: These nomadic pastoralists inhabited the grasslands of the Mongolian Plateau and the Da Hinggan Range. Their various subgroups included the Xianbei, Wuhuan, Shiwei, and the Khitan.1
- The Chinese: Agricultural Han migrants moved from northern China into the Liao Plain of southern Manchuria to cultivate the land, establishing colonies as early as the 3rd century BCE.1
The region's history was defined by the shifting hegemonies and frequent violent clashes among these groups as they vied for control over the territory.1