III. Civilizations in Crisis: Qing Dynasty

1. III. Civilizations in Crisis:Qing Dynasty • As Ming Dynasty began to decline, Manchupeople of the north invaded • 1644 – capture city of Beijing, took 20 years to take full control China • Declared themselves Qing Dynasty • Retained much of the political system from Ming dynasty, including focus on Confucianism and the exam system • Social and economic changes were minimal • Further decline of women’s status (more feet-binding, infanticide) • Relaxed isolationist policies of Ming – opened ports, allowed travel • Growth of merchant class (compradors) • Corruption planted seeds of decline • Examination system failed – regional leaders were seen as corrupt • Government positions could be easily bought • Public works declined, famine and disease increased

2. III. Continued… • European threat eroded Qing control • British began trading opium from India for Chinese goods • Chinese realized opium was a threat to society (but too late) • 1% of population addicted (4,000,000) • Opium Wars – (1839-1860) resulted in British taking control of Hong Kong as a trading port (controlled until 1990s) • Rebellions and conflicts add to Qing’s demise • Taiping Rebellion(1850) – led by Hong Xiuquan(self-proclaimed Christian prophet), sought to overthrow Qing rule and influence of Confucian scholar-gentry • Led to self-strengthening movement - led by regional leaders, modernized armies, factories, transportation

3. III. Continued… • Boxer Rebellion – 1898 uprising intended to expel foreigners • Failure led to even greater control/influence by Europeans • End of the dynastic cycle • Revolutionaries from rising western-educated middle class sought to end Qing rule • Wanted to reorganize China based on western models/ideas • BUT, despised foreign involvement • 1911 – secret society uprisings, student demonstrations, and military mutinies erupted • Regional leaders refused to put down rebellions • 1912 – Last Qing emperor (Puyi) was removed