Why was the Manchu Qing able to solve the Mongol problem in history?
It was a combination of historical necessity and historical contingency.
The necessity lay in the development of firearms and the advancement of productivity. Coupled with the lessons learned from previous dynasties, the Qing conquered the Mongols by combining awe-inspiring military might with benevolent governance.
The contingency lay in the Little Ice Age and the southward expansion of Tsarist Russia, which significantly shrank the Mongols' range of activity.
Emperor Chongzhen felt that if the Qing could do it, so could he.
With this in mind, he instructed Wang Chengen, "Pass on my decree: have the officials of the Cabinet come to see me."
"This servant will go at once!" Wang Chengen scampered off.
While waiting for the cabinet ministers, Emperor Chongzhen began to recall the methods the Qing had used to deal with the Mongols.
First, they struck them militarily. This was the first and most critical step in conquering the Mongols.
After defeating the Mongols, the Qing began to implement the "League and Banner" system within Mongolia, dispatching officials to manage it. Simply put, the League and Banner system demarcated territories for the various Mongol tribes; herdsmen were required to migrate only within their own tribal lands. To cross the border was a crime, and those caught were severely punished.
Chapter 692