History of China: Qing Dynasty Insights

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Questions and Answers

What major philosophical system influenced Chinese society and emphasized harmony and obedience?

Confucianism

What was the significance of the 'Mandate of Heaven' in the context of Chinese imperial rule?

It justified the emperor's authority as being divinely sanctioned.

In what year did Guangxu serve as emperor of China before the influence of Cixi?

1900

How did geographical diversity contribute to China's historical development?

It led to variations in climate and culture across the country. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the Qing rulers considered 'foreign' by many Chinese during their reign?

Because they originated from the Manchu region, distinct from the Han majority. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Empress Dowager Cixi play during the reign of Guangxu?

She held the real power and influenced political decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did China's relative self-containment prior to 1800 have on its cultural development?

It limited the influence of foreign ideas on Chinese society. Signup and view all the answers

What was the total amount in reparations demanded from China after the Boxer Uprising?

£67,000,000 Signup and view all the answers

Which significant leader of the Qing dynasty was not executed after the Boxer Uprising?

Cixi Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of the Self-strengthening movement in China?

Technological modernisation Signup and view all the answers

What type of assembly was introduced as part of the New Policies in China?

Local assemblies Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the major reasons that spurred reforms after the Boxer Uprising?

To pay the reparations Signup and view all the answers

Who were primarily excluded from participating in the new voting system established during the reforms?

The general population Signup and view all the answers

How did the Boxer Uprising affect the reputation of the Emperor Guangxu?

It further damaged his reputation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the method advocated by the Self-strengthening movement for improving China?

Learning from foreigners Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant reform regarding the civil service that was implemented after the Boxer Uprising?

Removal of the archaic examination system. Signup and view all the answers

What inspired some individuals in China to turn towards Communism during the May Fourth movement?

The success of the Russian Revolution in 1917 and the similarities between politically unreformed and economically backward Russia and China. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the United Front play for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) when it joined with the GMD?

The United Front allowed the CCP to benefit from the GMD's strength to weaken warlord control in the short term. Signup and view all the answers

How did Chiang Kai-Shek’s military background influence his leadership style compared to Sun Yat-Sen?

Chiang's military background made him more conservative and focused on winning physical confrontations over political discussions. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Chiang Kai-Shek not the obvious choice for leadership of the GMD after Sun Yat-Sen's death?

Chiang was primarily a military figure and not seen as a traditional political leader, which led to skepticism from some within the GMD. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary ideological difference between the GMD and the CCP during the formation of the United Front?

The GMD focused on reformist aims, while the CCP sought revolutionary, Communist objectives. Signup and view all the answers

What actions by Chun contributed to the unpopularity leading to the 1911 Revolution?

Chun sold the right to build railways to foreign companies. Signup and view all the answers

Identify two long-term causes of the 1911 Revolution.

Political criticism and resentment of foreign influences. Signup and view all the answers

What event on October 9, 1911, acted as a spark for the 1911 Revolution?

A bomb accidentally set off by plotters in Wuhan. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of October 10, 1911, in the context of the 1911 Revolution?

It was remembered as Double Tenth, the day the local army refused orders to suppress the revolt. Signup and view all the answers

What declaration did the rebels make following their initial successes in 1911?

They declared independence from the Qing dynasty. Signup and view all the answers

Who was invited to be the President of the independent Chinese republic declared by the rebels?

Sun Yat-Sen. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main challenges faced by the rebels after declaring independence?

They did not have a strong military. Signup and view all the answers

Name one short-term cause of the 1911 Revolution.

Opposition movements. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of foreign influences in the lead-up to the 1911 Revolution?

They generated widespread resentment among the Chinese populace. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Qing Dynasty face failures that contributed to the 1911 Revolution?

Their inability to effectively manage political and social issues led to widespread discontent. Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of Yuan Shikai becoming President after the 1911 Revolution?

Yuan Shikai's presidency led to increased distrust between him and Sun Yat-Sen, as Sun feared Yuan’s ambitions for power. Signup and view all the answers

How did Sun Yat-Sen view Yuan Shikai's motivations for taking power?

Sun Yat-Sen suspected that Yuan's motivation was revenge against Chun rather than a genuine commitment to republicanism. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of seats did the Guomindang (GMD) win in the 1912 National Assembly elections?

The GMD won around 50 percent of the seats in the lower house. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Sun Yat-Sen establish the Guomindang (GMD)?

Sun established the GMD to promote democracy, nationalism, and the livelihood of the people in China. Signup and view all the answers

What two opposing views did Sun Yat-Sen and Yuan Shikai represent after the 1911 Revolution?

Sun Yat-Sen represented democratic republicanism, while Yuan Shikai symbolized authoritarian control. Signup and view all the answers

What did Pu Yi's abdication symbolize in the context of the 1911 Revolution?

Pu Yi's abdication symbolized the end of imperial rule in China. Signup and view all the answers

How did Yuan Shikai's actions affect the Qing Dynasty's legacy?

Yuan Shikai’s willingness to force the Qing’s resignation ultimately led to the downfall of the Qing Dynasty. Signup and view all the answers

What were the three principles promoted by Sun Yat-Sen in his political platform?

The three principles were democracy, nationalism, and the livelihood of the people. Signup and view all the answers

Why was there a lack of trust between Yuan Shikai and Sun Yat-Sen?

There was a lack of trust because Yuan feared left-leaning policies would threaten landowners and Sun suspected Yuan sought power for himself. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

IGCSE China 1900-1989

This course examines Chinese history through various themes
Key themes include: Leadership, Economic transformation, Social transformation, External influences, and Civil conflict
Specific examples of these themes are highlighted in the notes using different colours

The Fall of the Qing, Warlordism and Chaos

China's geography is diverse, ranging from deserts and snowy mountains to fertile plains
Temperatures vary across the vast country
China was largely self-sufficient before 1800 with limited trade with the west
Major ethnicities in China include Han, Manchu, Mongol, and Tibetan

Contextual background to Imperial China

Confucianism was the dominant system of thought emphasizing harmony, peacefulness, and acceptance of one's social position
China has been ruled by Emperors since 2000 BCE
The Emperor was considered divinely appointed, holding the 'Mandate of Heaven'
The Emperor in 1900 was Guangxu, though Empress Dowager Cixi held real power

Chinese Economy

China's economy in 1900 was overwhelmingly agricultural
Industrial development was limited to certain cities
Main economic products were tea, silk, sugar, and opium
Port cities were relatively wealthy but dominated by foreign powers

Chinese Peasants

Peasants comprised the majority of the population
They farmed land using traditional techniques
Traditional subsistence farming was common

Mandarins

Mandarins were government officials selected through rigorous examinations evaluating ancient Chinese literature
These positions were primarily held by a specific social class, making change difficult
They wore traditional formal attire, including long pigtails
This symbolized traditional Chinese customs

Chinese Women

Women were legally the possessions of their fathers and husbands.
Marriages were typically arranged
Footbinding was a common practice, particularly among wealthier classes, limiting mobility and dependence on others to perform daily tasks
This practice was seen as a way to make women more attractive

Treaty Ports and Foreign Influence

Britain and other European powers had significant influence in port cities through treaties
These areas were largely outside Chinese control
Foreigners were not subject to Chinese law in these areas
Numerous Chinese servants worked for foreigners in the treaty ports
Foreign warship presence for protection

Life in the Treaty Ports

Foreigners lived in separate, prestigious sections of the port cities
Foreigners were not subjected to local laws
Treaty port areas had their own shops, restaurants, recreational facilities, courts, and police
Chinese servants were commonly employed by foreigners

Boxer Uprising and Self-Strengthening reforms

Opposition to foreign influence and internal issues like drought, famine, and unemployment led to the Boxer Uprising
The Hundred Days Reform by Emperor Guangxu was an attempt to modernize, but ultimately failed due to powerful opposition
The Boxers were a secret group who blamed foreign exploitation for China's problems
The Boxers attacked foreigners, missionaries, Christians, and foreign infrastructure like telegraph lines and railways

Responses to the Boxers

The Boxer Rebellion culminated in attacks on foreign diplomats in Beijing
Empress Dowager Cixi supported the Boxers
The Eight-Nation Alliance intervened to quell the rebellion
The Boxers were defeated in 1902, severely damaging the image of the Qing Dynasty

Impact of the Boxer Uprising

Foreign powers imposed heavy reparations on China
China's military defenses were heavily damaged
The Boxer Uprising led to criticism of the Qing Dynasty and contributed to the need for reform

Self-Strengthening and Reforms

Self-strengthening movement aimed to modernize China based on foreign knowledge and technology
Self-strengthening occurred in the 1860s though did not achieve much
Reformers aimed to strengthen to withstand foreign influence
China's need for economic strength took precedence post-Boxer Uprising as reparations were needed
The Qing dynasty embraced modernization post reforms in an attempt to survive

The New Policies

These reforms focused on improving the civil service, establishing local assemblies, and establishing a national consultative council
The introduction of a new military structure and economic reforms were also implemented
Education reforms included improving the quality of education in China

Criticism of the New Reforms

Reforms were not popular with the masses as they were excluded from political participation
Traditional Chinese were also unhappy with the reforms due to the inclusion and imposition of European ideas like foot binding and education of girls
Economic issues caused by the reforms, such as inflation, and problems for farmers became prominent

The Rise of Political Opposition

Opposition to the Qing dynasty continued throughout the early 1900s, ultimately leading to the 1911 Revolution
Growing dissatisfaction with the Qing Dynasty's inability to deal with foreign and domestic issues propelled political opposition
Important figures such as Sun Yat-Sen advocated republican revolution as the only solution

Weakening of the Qing Dynasty

Emperors Guangxu and Dowager Empress Cixi both died in 1908, creating further instability in China
The death of the Emperors, both having significant and intertwined power within China, left the country in a position of heightened instability

The 1911 Revolution

The revolution began in 1911 due to widespread grievances towards the Qing dynasty
The spark of the revolution ignited in October 1911 with protests in Wuhan followed by other regions' declarations of independence
The revolution resulted in China becoming a republic

Outcome of the 1911 Revolution

The 1911 Revolution saw the collapse of the Qing Dynasty, establishing a republic but not achieving a stable, effective government
The revolution resulted in an unstable compromise which favoured military control
Sun Yat-Sen was the designated president, but had to cede the role to a powerful military leader (Yuan) to avoid total chaos

Developments in the United Front

The United Front, a joint effort between the nationalist GMD and communists to combat warlords, was formed in 1923
The Soviet Union (USSR) played a role in advising and supporting the United Front
The CCP aimed to leverage the United Front to ultimately gain control of China

Chiang Kai-Shek

Chiang Kai-Shek became a prominent leader of the GMD after Sun Yat-Sen's death in 1925
His leadership focused on combating warlords, which led him to ultimately break off the United Front with the Communist Party
He implemented policies that were considered more conservative compared to Sun Yat-Sen

The Shanghai Massacre

Chiang Kai-Shek's forces launched a brutal attack on Communists in Shanghai in 1927
This event was the result of many factors, including the United Front falling apart and escalating conflicts

The Jiangxi Soviet

The CCP was forced to flee to Jiangxi province and establish an alternative government
Mao's ideology was adjusted, with greater emphasis on the peasantry as revolutionary actors in China
The CCP created the Jiangxi Soviet, which became a model for rural revolution

The Extermination Campaigns

Chiang Kai-shek launched campaigns to crush the communists, resulting in great loss of life among the peasant civilians of Jiangxi

The Northern Expedition

The Northern Expedition was a military campaign by the GMD to unify China
The expedition was successful due to various reasons, including the training and support of the GMD from the CCP

The May Fourth Movement

The May Fourth Movement was an intellectual and cultural movement
It was a response to China's treatment in the Treaty of Versailles and Japan's demands in the Twenty-one Demands
It fostered a strong nationalistic sentiment and challenged traditional values within China.

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Description

Explore the intricate history of the Qing Dynasty with this quiz, focusing on major philosophical influences, key historical figures, and important events such as the Boxer Uprising. Discover the significance of the 'Mandate of Heaven' and the impact of Empress Dowager Cixi on Chinese society. Test your knowledge on China's historical development and reforms during the late imperial period.