The Legacies of Imperial China and the Dawning of the Revolutionary 20th Century

The Legacies of Imperial China and the Dawning of the Revolutionary 20th Century Revolutionaries “seizing power” misnomer

The Legacies of Imperial China and the Dawning of the Revolutionary 20th Century Successful revolutions have multiple parts Breakdown of old regime Creation of new political order Ideology Organization Mass support

States and Social Revolutions Theda Skocpol: explaining social revolutions States are “Janus-faced”; they face Domestic classes & groups International system of states & global economy Breakdown of old state apparatus key part of revolutionary situation Domestically—domestic rebellion Internationally—defeat in international war Creation of new political order key part of successful revolution (next class)

States and Social Revolutions What are the defining characteristics of revolution?

Defining Characteristics of REVOLUTION Fundamental change in political structure nature of political elites ideological basis for rule class structure nature of societal elites

Functioning and breakdown of old regime Normal functions of imperial state How they broke down through Internal decline External challenge

Normal functions of the Qing State (progressively undermined) Tax collection Maintenance of public order Maintenance of basic infrastructure Provision of minimal social welfare and relief Propagation of ideology and perpetuation of system of rule

Confucian ideology Ideal of social harmony Through knowing one’s place 5 relationships Ruler/ruled Father/son Husband/wife Elder/younger Friend/friend

Confucian Ideology Mandate of heaven “Right to rebel”

The core functions of the Qing state were undermined by both internal and external sources of decline in the 19th Century.

Long-term Causes of Revolutionary Change in 20th C China Internal: decline of Qing imperial state

Internal Sources of Decline in the 19th Century “Phenomenal” population increase Increasing economic competition for survival Corruption of regime Series of major rebellions

Series of Major Rebellions in 19th C Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864) Nian Rebellion (1853-1868) Others suppressed by provincial armies outside of central state control Est. 100 million deaths in rebellions

Small Group Discussion Question What’s the difference between a rebellion and a revolution?

Small Group Discussion Question What’s the difference between a rebellion and a revolution? Perry (p.2) Revolution: violent process that both envisions and achieves rapid political, social, economic, and cultural transformation Rebellion: more common phenomenon of organized protest against the government—without any stipulation as to ideology, class consciousness, or political success Blecher (p.39) Revolution: basic transformation of society’s state and class structures—requires a leadership with an analysis of the past, a vision of the future, and a political strategy and organization to lead society from the former to the latter i.e. ideology and organization: stay tuned for next class

States and Social Revolutions Theda Skocpol: explaining social revolutions Breakdown of old state apparatus key part of revolutionary situation Domestically—domestic rebellion Internationally—defeat in international war

Long-term Causes of Revolutionary Change in 20th C China External: Western and Japanese challenges to Qing imperial state

External Sources of Decline in the 19th Century Defeat in wars with Western powers and Japan Opium Wars 1839-1842 1856-1860 Sino-Japanese War 1894-1895

External Sources of Decline in the 19th Century Fundamental challenge to belief system Traditional exam system abolished 1905 Contrast: Macartney Mission 1793

States and Social Revolutions Theda Skocpol: explaining social revolutions Today: Breakdown of old state apparatus key part of revolutionary situation Domestically—domestic rebellion Internationally—defeat in international war Next class: Creation of new political order key part of successful revolution Ideology Organization Mass support