Chinas History ADV COMPO

Dynasty

Family or clan that ruled in China from the Shang through the end of the Qing, with rulership usually handed to the eldest son.

Emperor

A monarch in China with vast powers; any challenge to their rule was met ruthlessly.

Mandate of Heaven

Legitimacy for the emperor's rule based on the belief that there could only be one ruler with the blessing of the gods.

Qin Dynasty

Dynasty established by Ying Zheng, who proclaimed himself 'emperor' and became known as the 'first emperor' of China.

Daoism

Religion and philosophy originating in China, emphasizing harmony and the natural order through the 'Way' or 'Dao'.

Zheng He

Admiral during the Ming Dynasty known for his seven voyages across Southeast Asia and the east coast of Africa.

Forbidden City

The Imperial Palace built during the Ming Dynasty in Beijing, housing 14 Ming and 10 Qing dynasty emperors.

Qing Dynasty

Dynasty that followed the Ming Dynasty, lasting from 1644 to 1911/12, marked by the invasion of Manchus.

Lord MacCartney

British diplomat sent to China in 1793 to negotiate trade relations.

Qianlong Emperor

Qing Dynasty emperor known for territorial expansion and rejection of British trade proposals.

Century of humiliation

Period from roughly 1842 to 1949 marked by foreign powers seeking influence over China through imperialism.

Opium

Addictive drug grown in China, used to numb pain among workers and for recreational use by the upper class.

Unequal treaties

Series of treaties granting foreign powers reparations, territory control, and trade access from China.

Extraterritoriality

The exemption of foreigners from Chinese jurisdiction, allowing them to be tried under their own country's laws.

Sun Yat-sen

Revolutionary leader and founding member of the Nationalist Party, first provisional president of the Republic of China.

Republic of China

Name for China after the imperial system fell in 1911, with Sun Yat-sen as its initial leader.

May Fourth Movement

1919 protest led by students against traditional values and the Treaty of Versailles' concessions to Japan.

Nationalist Party (KMT)

Political party founded by Sun Yat-sen, claimed to be the legitimate party of China.

Chiang Kai-shek

Leader of the Nationalist Party and Republic of China, known for his dictatorship in Taiwan.

Chinese Communist Party (CCP)

Political party founded in 1921, which has ruled China since 1949.

Mao Zedong

CCP leader and founder of the People's Republic of China in 1949; promoted the Great Leap Forward.

Northern Expedition

Military campaign by the Nationalist Revolutionary Army and CCP to unify China after warlordism.

Japanese invasion

Japan attacked China in 1937, leading to significant loss of life during World War II.

Nanjing Massacre

Japanese army massacre of 100,000-200,000 Chinese civilians in Nanjing, marked by horrific violence.

Civil War, 1945-49

Conflict between the Nationalist government and the CCP over who would rule China.

People's Republic of China

Officially established on October 1, 1949, by Mao Zedong.

Land reform

CCP campaign to redistribute land to poor peasants after gaining power.

Great Leap Forward

Mao's policy aimed at rapid industrialization that led to widespread famine and millions of deaths.

Cultural Revolution

Movement led by Mao to eliminate capitalist influences, resulting in widespread persecution and destruction.

Deng Xiaoping

Leader who promoted economic reforms and opening up China to the West beginning in 1978.

Socialism with Chinese Characteristics

Deng's economic strategy that blends capitalism with state-run enterprises.

1989 Student Movement & Massacre

Protests for democracy in Tiananmen Square, violently suppressed by the government.

7/1/1997: Hong Kong returns to China

Hong Kong returned to Chinese sovereignty under a 50-year agreement.

2019-2020 Hong Kong Protests

Demonstrations against China's encroachment on democracy in Hong Kong.

Xi Jinping

Current Secretary-General of the CCP and President of China, known for his strict policies.

Xi Jinping Thought

Ideological doctrine promoting national rejuvenation and socialism with Chinese characteristics.

CCP National Party Congress

Largest group of CCP leaders that meets every five years to approve top decisions.

CCP Central Committee

Select group of CCP members that meets annually, main source of Politburo membership.

CCP Politburo

The apex of CCP power, usually consisting of around 24 members.

CCP Politburo Standing Committee

Highest level of power in China, with 7 key members.

Secretary-General of CCP

Most important position in the CCP, currently held by Xi Jinping.

Central Military Commission

Office controlling China's military, chaired by the CCP Secretary-General.

Red Capitalist

Businesspeople who were allowed to join the CCP, reflecting a shift in ideology.

Parallel positions control mechanism

Interlocking network of CCP members occupying key roles in different institutions.

Premier

Head of the executive branch responsible for implementing domestic and foreign policies.

State Council

China's cabinet, headed by the Premier, containing high-ranking CCP members.

National People's Congress (NPC)

Unicameral legislative body in China with limited power controlled by the CCP.

Patriotism

Devotion to one's country and way of life, different from nationalism.

GONGOs

Government-operated non-governmental organizations that address poverty and disaster relief.

White Paper Protest

Demonstration against China's Zero-COVID policy using blank sheets of paper.

Great Firewall

Chinese government control over social media to censor opposition.

Real GDP/PPP

China's GDP when measured by purchasing power parity, the largest in the world.

Trade Balance

Measurement of a country's imports and exports to indicate economic health.

Iron Rice Bowl

Policy providing lifetime employment and welfare in urban areas until the mid-1980s.

Special Economic Zones

Areas in China designed to attract foreign investment and boost economic development.

Export-led Development

Economic strategy focusing on international market production for rapid growth.

SOEs (State-owned enterprises)

State-controlled companies that represent a significant portion of China's GDP.

Tariff

Tax imposed on imports or exports to protect domestic industries.

Zero-COVID policy

China's strategy during the pandemic involving strict lockdowns and testing.

Property Market

Market for buying and selling property, facing challenges due to supply surpluses.

BYD

China's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, focused on global exports.

semiconductors/chips

Essential technology used in modern devices and central to China's strategic interests.

Hukou

Residence permit required for urban living, creating a divide between rural and urban populations.

Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

Average number of children a woman will bear, currently declining in China.

One-child Per Family

Policy instituted to control population growth, rescinded in 2016.

Xinjiang

Autonomous region in China with significant Muslim population, controversial due to policies.

Surveillance system

Extensive measures involving technology to monitor and control the population.

Vocational and Educational Training

Programs in Xinjiang presented as education but criticized as detention camps for Uighurs.

Xinjiang Police Files

Leaked documents supporting claims of mass detention in Xinjiang.

Women hold up half the sky

Mao's assertion about gender equality leading to official policies promoting it.

Gender Asset Gap

Disparity in wealth and property ownership between genders.

Leftover Women

Women over 27 who remain unmarried, often criticized for their choices.

ShanghaiPRIDE

LGBTQ NGO in Shanghai that has faced government restrictions since 2020.