Fall of the Qing (Manchu) Dynasty 1644 -1911
Qing 1644-1910 2
Domestic Problems Political Inequality Internal Rebellions Weak Leadership Resistance to Reforms
Domestic Problems: 1. Political Inequality Manchus rule - not Han Chinese (2 % of the pop. of China was Manchu) Han Chinese discriminated against Intermarriage between the two groups was forbidden Manchus ruled, but Chinese were forbidden to hold high national offices imposed “hair queue” on male population: all Han men to wear their hair braided in the back 4
Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864) Domestic Problems: 2. Internal Rebellions Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864) Peasant rebellion Led by Hong Xiuquan 20-30 million dead
1900: Boxer Rebellion Revolt against Qing Dynasty Anger at foreign occupation and presence in China Rebellion squashed with aid of foreign powers
Domestic Problems: Weak Leadership Emperors of late 1800s controlled by others: Tongzhi Emperor Guangxu Emperor
Empress Dowager Cixi Essentially controls dynasty from late 1800s until 1908 Known for her resistance to reforms Corruption grows under reign Resented by many
Emperor Xuantong (1906-1911) Last emperor of Qing Dynasty Inherits throne as infant Overthrown in 1911
Domestic Problems: 4. Resistance to Reforms Clash between reformers and traditionalists Qing China does not modernize – focuses on the greatness of the past: “the self- strengthening movement”
Foreign Problems European and American Imperialism Disastrous Wars
Foreign Problems: Imperialism “Spheres of Influence”: European countries try to gain control of territory in China China was controlled by Europeans economically 1900: “Open Door Policy” allows foreign countries easy access to Chinese reosurces Created discord and frustration in Manchu Qing govt
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Foreign Problems: 2. Disastrous Wars Opium Wars (1840s-1860s) 1773 Britain brought Indian opium to China 1838 – Manchu Chinese ban it and size opium from British 1839-1860 Opium Wars humiliate China Britain claims Hong Kong Britain wins HUGE trading rights
Sino-Japanese War (1894 -95) China vs Japan Japan wins Treaty of Shimonoseki (1895) Japan gets Taiwan Japan gets trading rights on Chinese mainland
1911: Qing Dynasty Overthrown! 1911: rebellion inspired by ideas of Sun Yixian (Sun Yat- Sen) Promises democracy for China -Based on the “3 Principles of the People”