The Manchu invasions refer to a series of military campaigns by the Manchu people from northeastern China during the 17th century. These invasions led to the fall of the Ming Dynasty and the establishment of the Qing Dynasty, which ruled China for nearly three centuries. The Manchus, originally a nomadic group, unified various tribes and launched their conquests to expand their territory. The invasions began in the 1610s and culminated in the capture of Beijing in 1644. The Manchus implemented a series of reforms to consolidate their power, including adopting aspects of Chinese culture and governance. This blending of cultures helped the Qing Dynasty maintain stability and control over a vast and diverse empire.