Major Leaders Chinese History Midterm

Kangxi Emperor (K’ang-hsi Emperor)

r 1661-1722. Consolidated Qing rule in early years of empire. Expands empire and by 1660s all of china is under manchu rule. Conquers Taiwan 1684. Establishes foreign relations with russia. Issues the Sacred Edict to show that Manchus were protecting Confucian civilization.

Qianlong Emperor (Ch’ien-lung)

r 1735-96. Ten Great Campaigns. Mongolia and Tibet. Literary inquisition and cultural projects to strengthen manchu and han identity. Sponsors encyclopedia of chinese literature. Establishes canton system of trade.

Daoguang Emperor (Tao-kuang)Daoguang Depression (1820-1850) marked the end of increasing financial prosperity due to increasing poverty in the north and reversal of trade imbalance due to opium and decreased demand for goods like porcelain as well as lowered supply of silver due to governments in latin america being overthrown. Government spending decreased due to lower funds, infrastructure was neglected and grain stores were depleted. Increased tax burden. Led to anti government sentiment

Xianfeng Emperor (Hsien-fêng)

r 1850-61. Taiping Rebellion. Fled Beijing during Second Opium War. Exposed weakness of Qing Empire. Death led to Cixi getting into power.

Cixi (Tz’u-hsi)

Indirect rule 1861-1908; Comes to power as regent during Tongzhi Emperor’s rule because he was too young. second regency 1875-89 appoints her son’s cousin to be next emperor when her son dies, Guangxu Emperor. Takes back power from Guangxu Emperor when he starts passing reform edicts during the Hundred Days of reform because this is seen as a threat to her power and that of conservative court officials, and the Hundred Day Reforms are stamped out. Then is Cixi’s third regency

Tongzhi Emperor (T’ung-chih)

1861-75 chosen to become emperor after father died. But reign overshadowed by empress dowager cixi. “Tongzhi Restoration” - Qing Empire surviving against all odds (rebellion, opium wars, great famine). Died young of disease leading to a succession crisis in which his young cousin was appointed Guangxu Emperor. During his reign began the self strengthening movement and reforms by Cixi

Guangxu Emperor (Kuang-hsü)

After Tongzhi Emperor dies, he is the cousin appointed to be emperor after him by Cixi. Assumes direct power in 1898. Approves reforms suggested by Kang Youwei and issues memorials drafted by him as edicts in the Hundred Days of Reform. Improve institutions of education, governance, law, industry, abolish imperial exams, make a constitution, open a parliament, reform legal code. Coup d’etat by Cixi and court conservatives who feel threatened by reforms stamp it out quickly.

Prince Gong (Prince Kung)

Confirms treaties with UK, France, US, and Russia following second opium war. Peace-favoring leader took charge with negotiating with foreigners.

Yuan Shikai (Yüan Shih-k’ai)

Commander of qing armies during 1911 revolution. First president of the republic, becomes a failed republic, rules like a military dictator. Promised capital would be in Nanjing but moves it to Beijing, sidelines Sun Yat-sen. Old bureaucracy largely intact, Yuan continues old reform programs. Suppresses second revolution, revolts in reaction to song jiaoren leader of GMD’s electoral victory and most likely to become premier was assassinated. Arrests Sun’s supporters, closes down parliament 1914. Military governors loyal to Yuan Shikai rule provinces, power becomes regionalized. 1915 he declares himself emperor triggering widespread rebellion from provinces and military rulers that had been loyal to him and start declaring independence for their provinces. When he dies china goes into the warlord era.