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The book provides a comprehensive history of the Manchu dynasty, which ruled China from 1644 to 1912. The dynasty was founded by Nurhachu, a chieftain of the Manchu people, who conquered China and established the Qing dynasty. The book covers the reigns of various emperors, including Shun Chih, Kʽang Hsi, Yung Chêng, Chʽien Lung, Chia Chʽing, Tao Kuang, Hsien Fêng, Tʽung Chih, Kuang Hsü, and Hsüan Tʽung, highlighting their achievements, challenges, and policies. The dynasty faced numerous challenges, including internal strife, foreign invasions, and the Opium Wars, which ultimately led to its decline and fall. The book also discusses the role of key figures, such as Li Tzŭ-chʽêng, Wu San-kuei, and Sun Yat-sen, who played important roles in shaping Chinese history. The Manchu dynasty's legacy is marked by a mix of cultural and economic growth, as well as periods of decadence and decline. The book concludes with the fall of the Manchu dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912, marking the end of imperial rule in China and the beginning of a new era in Chinese history.
The Manchu dynasty, which ruled China from 1644 to 1912, was founded by Nurhachu, a chieftain of the Manchu people. The Manchus were a nomadic tribe from northeastern China who were skilled in archery and horsemanship. They conquered China and established the Qing dynasty, which was marked by a period of cultural and economic growth. However, the dynasty also faced numerous challenges, including internal strife, foreign invasions, and the Opium Wars. The Manchus were eventually overthrown in 1912, following the Xinhai Revolution, which led to the establishment of the Republic of China. The last emperor of the Qing dynasty, Puyi, was forced to abdicate, marking the end of imperial rule in China.
The chapter discusses the fall of the Ming dynasty and the rise of the Manchu power. The Ming dynasty was weakened by internal strife, corruption, and external pressures, including the Manchu threat. The Manchus, led by Nurhachu, took advantage of the Ming's weakness and began to conquer Chinese territory. The Ming dynasty eventually collapsed, and the Manchus established the Qing dynasty. The chapter also introduces key figures such as Li Tzŭ-chʽêng, a rebel leader who briefly captured Peking, and Wu San-kuei, a Chinese general who defected to the Manchus and played a crucial role in their conquest of China. The Manchus implemented various policies to consolidate their power, including the requirement for Chinese men to adopt the Manchu dress and hairstyle. The chapter concludes with the establishment of the Qing dynasty and the beginning of a new era in Chinese history.
This chapter discusses the reign of Shun Chih, the first emperor of the Ch'ing dynasty. Shun Chih was only seven years old when he ascended to the throne and was placed under the regency of an uncle. During his reign, the Manchus consolidated their power and established a new system of government. The emperor treated the Catholic missionaries with favor and received envoys from various countries, including the Great Mogul, the Western Tartars, and the Dalai Lama. The Manchus also established a system of public examinations and introduced a new calendar. Shun Chih's reign marked the beginning of a new era in Chinese history, with the Manchus in control of the empire. He died in 1661, and his legacy was one of kindness and magnanimity.
The chapter focuses on the reign of Emperor Kʽang Hsi, who ascended to the throne at the age of eight. He took control of the government twelve years later and implemented various policies to consolidate his power. Kʽang Hsi faced several challenges, including the rebellion of the three feudatory princes, Wu San-kuei, and the issue of Christian missionaries in China. He also expanded the empire's borders, established a new system of public examinations, and introduced a new calendar. Additionally, Kʽang Hsi was a patron of literature and commissioned several literary projects, including a lexicon of the Chinese language and an illustrated encyclopædia. The chapter also touches on the emperor's personal life, including his family troubles and his death in 1723.
The chapter discusses the reigns of two Manchu emperors, Yung Chêng and Chʽien Lung. Yung Chêng faced difficulties from the start, including dissatisfaction among his brothers and a plot to dethrone him. He also dealt with a rebellion in Kokonor and an outbreak among the aborigines of Kueichow and Yünnan. Chʽien Lung, who succeeded Yung Chêng, spent the first ten years of his reign on internal reorganization and the remainder on a series of wars, including the conquest of Tibet and the suppression of rebellions in various provinces. He also received a visit from Lord Macartney, the first British envoy to China, and later dealt with the opium trade and the arrival of European powers in China. The chapter also touches on the literary and administrative achievements of both emperors, including the production of a lexicon of the Chinese language and the establishment of a new system of public examinations.
The chapter discusses the reign of Emperor Chia Ch'ing, who faced difficulties from the start, including a rising of the White Lily Society, a secret association that aimed to overthrow the Manchu dynasty. The Emperor's troubles were compounded by the execution of Ho-shên, a high Manchu official suspected of harboring designs on the throne. The White Lily Society's activities were eventually suppressed, but not before they had caused significant unrest. The chapter also touches on the arrival of Lord Amherst's embassy in Peking, which was unsuccessful in securing trade concessions due to the British refusal to perform the kotow, a ceremonial bow. The Emperor's reign marked the beginning of Manchu decadence, characterized by a decline in the dynasty's power and influence.
The Emperor Tao Kuang's reign was marked by significant challenges, including the Opium Wars and European complications. Despite his initial efforts to purify the court, his natural indolence hindered real reform, and the empire was left in a critical condition. The Opium Wars led to the signing of the Treaty of Nanking, which opened up Chinese ports to British trade and ceded the island of Hong Kong to Britain. The Treaty also established the principle of extraterritoriality, where British subjects in China were subject to British law rather than Chinese law. The Emperor's death in 1850 was followed by the succession of his fourth son, who reigned as Hsien Fêng. The new Emperor faced significant challenges, including the Taiping Rebellion, which was a major threat to the Manchu dynasty. The rebellion was eventually put down with the help of foreign troops, but not before it had caused significant damage and loss of life. The Manchu dynasty's power and influence continued to decline, paving the way for the eventual fall of the dynasty.
Hsien Fêng, who ascended to the throne at the age of 19, faced significant challenges, including the Taiping Rebellion, which was a major threat to the Manchu dynasty. The rebellion, led by Hung Hsiu-ch'üan, was a religious and political movement that sought to overthrow the Manchu government and establish a new dynasty. The Taipings captured several key cities, including Nanking, and were able to hold their own against the Imperial forces. However, with the help of foreign troops, the rebellion was eventually put down, and the Manchu dynasty was able to maintain its power. Despite this, the dynasty's influence and control continued to decline, paving the way for the eventual fall of the dynasty.
The chapter discusses the reign of Emperor Tʽung Chih, who ascended to the throne at the age of five. The emperor's mother, the Empress Dowager, played a significant role in the regency, and her influence was felt throughout the empire. The Tʽai-pʽing rebellion, which had been ongoing since the previous emperor's reign, continued to pose a threat to the Manchu dynasty. The rebels, led by Hung Hsiu-chʽüan, captured several key cities, including Nanking, and were able to hold their own against the Imperial forces. However, with the help of foreign troops, the rebellion was eventually put down, and the Manchu dynasty was able to maintain its power. The Empress Dowager's rule was marked by a mix of conservatism and modernization, as she introduced reforms aimed at strengthening the empire while also maintaining traditional practices. The chapter also touches on the emperor's personal life, including his marriage and his relationship with his mother, who continued to wield significant influence over him.
The chapter discusses the reign of Emperor Kuang Hsü, who ascended to the throne at the age of four. The Empress Dowager, his mother, played a significant role in the regency and eventually became the supreme ruler of China. The emperor's attempts at reform were thwarted by the Empress Dowager, who was opposed to change and wanted to maintain her power. The Boxer Rebellion broke out in 1900, and the Empress Dowager supported the Boxers, who were anti-foreigner and anti-Christian. The rebellion was eventually put down by an international coalition of troops, and the Empress Dowager was forced to flee Beijing. She later returned to the city and declared her support for reform, but it was too late, and the dynasty was eventually overthrown in 1912.
The chapter discusses the reign of Emperor Hsüan T'ung, who ascended to the throne at the age of four. The Empress Dowager, his mother, played a significant role in the regency and eventually became the supreme ruler of China. The emperor's attempts at reform were thwarted by the Empress Dowager, who was opposed to change and wanted to maintain her power. The Boxer Rebellion broke out in 1900, and the Empress Dowager supported the Boxers, who were anti-foreigner and anti-Christian. The rebellion was eventually put down by an international coalition of troops, and the Empress Dowager was forced to flee Beijing. She later returned to the city and declared her support for reform, but it was too late, and the dynasty was eventually overthrown in 1912. The emperor died in 1908, and the Empress Dowager died the next day, marking the end of the Manchu dynasty. A new emperor, Hsüan T'ung, was appointed, but the revolution that had been secretly brewing for some time finally broke out in 1911, and the Manchu dynasty came to an end.
The chapter discusses the events leading up to the fall of the Manchu dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China. Sun Yat-sen, a key figure in the revolution, returns to China and begins to collect funds and support for the overthrow of the Manchu government. The Manchu dynasty, realizing its time is coming to an end, attempts to reform and modernize, but it is too late. The revolution gains momentum, and the Manchu dynasty is eventually overthrown. Sun Yat-sen is appointed as the provisional president of the new republic, and he issues a manifesto declaring the establishment of the Republic of China and outlining its principles and goals. The chapter also describes the ceremony in which Sun Yat-sen offers sacrifices to the spirit of the first Ming emperor, marking the end of the Manchu dynasty and the beginning of a new era in Chinese history.