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2024-04-11 07:33:47

Qing Dynasty

Manchu-led imperial dynasty of China

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Manchu-led imperial dynasty of China

The Qing Dynasty, also known as the Great Qing, ruled China from 1636 to 1912. It was the last imperial dynasty, preceding the Republic of China. The dynasty expanded China's territory and population, becoming the largest empire in world history by 1790. Despite periods of prosperity, the Qing Dynasty faced internal revolts, economic challenges, and foreign invasions, ultimately leading to its downfall in the Xinhai Revolution.

Ming Dynasty Chinese Civil War Sejong the Great Li Qiang Zhong Shanshan Deng Xiaoping Lai Ching-te Sengoku period Meiji Restoration Mao Zedong

1616

Proclamation of Nurhaci as Khan of the Great Jin

Nurhaci proclaimed himself Khan of the Great Jin in 1616, consolidating his power and laying the groundwork for the future Qing dynasty.

1616-05

Nurhaci's Conquest of Liaoning Province

Nurhaci, the leader of the Manchu people, conquered Ming China's northeastern Liaoning province, which was a crucial step towards the eventual establishment of the Qing dynasty in 1644.

1618

Nurhaci's Policies and Unification of Jurchen Tribes

Nurhaci, the Later Jin ruler, laid the foundation for the emergence of the Qing dynasty through his policies of uniting various Jurchen tribes and consolidating the Eight Banners military system.

1625

Nurhaci relocates his capital to Shenyang

After a series of successful battles, Nurhaci relocated his capital from Hetu Ala to Shenyang (Manchu: Mukden) in 1625.

1626

Death of Nurhaci

In 1626, Nurhaci, the founder of the early Manchu state, passed away, leading to the succession of his eighth son, Hong Taiji, as the leader of the Jurchen people.

1634

Creation of Artillery Corps by Hong Taiji

In 1634, Hong Taiji created his own artillery corps to address technological disparities, casting cannons in European design with the help of defector Chinese metallurgists.

1635-11

Adoption of the name 'Manchu'

In November 1635, Hong Taiji officially adopted the name 'Manchu' for the united Jurchen people, marking a significant event in the history of the Qing dynasty.

1636-04

Establishment of the Great Qing

In April 1636, Hong Taiji was recommended to be the emperor of the Great Qing by Mongol nobility of Inner Mongolia, Manchu nobility, and Han mandarins, leading to the renaming of the state and his elevation to Emperor.

1637

Creation of the first two Han Banners

In 1637, the first two Han Banners were established by Hong Taiji, which later increased to eight by 1642. These military reforms played a crucial role in defeating Ming forces in battles for territories like Songshan and Jinzhou.

1639

Tokugawa regime of Japan shuts down foreign trade

In 1639, the Tokugawa regime of Japan closed off most of its foreign trade with European powers, impacting the flow of silver into China.

1642

Increase of Han Banners to eight

By 1642, the number of Han Banners established by Hong Taiji had increased to eight. These military units were instrumental in the victories against Ming forces during battles for Songshan and Jinzhou territories.

1643-09

Death of Hong Taiji

In September 1643, Hong Taiji, the ruler of the Qing Dynasty, passed away suddenly. This event led to a succession dispute within the Jurchen leadership, eventually resulting in the installment of his son, Fulin, as the Shunzhi Emperor.

1644-05-27

Defeat of Li Zicheng by Wu Sangui and Dorgon

On May 27, 1644, Wu Sangui and Dorgon allied to defeat Li Zicheng's rebel forces in battle. This victory played a crucial role in the capture of Beijing and the establishment of the Qing Dynasty.

1644-06-06

Proclamation of Shunzhi Emperor by Manchus and Wu Sangui

After the defeat of Li Zicheng's rebel forces at the Battle of Shanhai Pass, the Manchus and Wu Sangui entered Beijing and proclaimed the young Shunzhi Emperor as the new ruler of China, marking the beginning of the Qing dynasty.

1644-10-30

Emperor Shunzhi Claims the ''Mandate of Heaven''

On October 30, 1644, Emperor Shunzhi of the Qing Dynasty claimed the ''Mandate of Heaven'', solidifying the legitimacy of the Qing rule.

1644-10-31

Qing Entry into Beijing

The southern cadet branch of Confucius' descendants and the 65th generation descendant in the northern branch had their titles confirmed by the Shunzhi Emperor upon the Qing entry into Beijing. The Kong's title of Duke was maintained in later reigns.

1645-07

Haircutting Order

Dorgon issued the controversial July 1645 edict, known as the 'haircutting order', which forced adult Han Chinese men to shave the front of their heads and adopt the queue hairstyle. This policy was a test of loyalty to the Qing dynasty but faced strong resistance from the Han Chinese population.

1648

Ethnic composition of the Eight Banners

By 1648, Han Chinese defectors had swelled the ranks of the Eight Banners, with ethnic Manchus becoming a minority at 16%, Han Bannermen dominating at 75%, and Mongol Bannermen making up the rest.

1650-12-31

Death of Dorgon

Dorgon, the regent and de facto leader of the Manchu nation, died suddenly on December 31, 1650, marking the start of the Shunzhi Emperor's personal rule.

1661

Kangxi Becomes Emperor

In 1661, Kangxi became the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty after the death of Emperor Shunzhi, marking the beginning of his long and prosperous reign.

1662

Koxinga Drives Out Dutch from Taiwan

In 1662, Ming loyalists under Zheng Cheng-gong, also known as Koxinga, drove out the Dutch from Taiwan and established their authority over the island.

1668

White Clouds over Xiao and Xiang

The hanging scroll 'White Clouds over Xiao and Xiang' was created in 1668 by Wang Jian, one of the Six Masters of the early Qing period. This artwork exemplifies the artistic innovation and individualism of Qing dynasty artists.

1669

Imprisonment of Oboi

In 1669, Kangxi, at the age of fifteen, managed to disarm and imprison Oboi, a powerful politician and experienced commander, who had achieved significant political dominance and posed a potential threat to the young emperor.

1670

Sacred Edict of 1670

The Sacred Edict of 1670 extolled Confucian family values and demonstrated the Qing emperor's respect for Confucian learning, contributing to the stability of the dynasty by promoting traditional Chinese values.

1673

Revolt of the Three Feudatories

In 1673, three feudal lords, including Wu Sangui, revolted against Kangxi's decision to strip them of their powers, leading to an eight-year conflict known as the Revolt of the Three Feudatories, which resulted in the Qing government establishing control over a ravaged southern China.

1681

End of the Revolt of the Three Feudatories

By 1681, the Qing government had successfully unified its forces and established control over a ravaged southern China, marking the end of the Revolt of the Three Feudatories that lasted for eight years.

1683

Qing Dynasty Takes Control of Taiwan

In 1683, the Qing dynasty forces successfully took control of Taiwan's western and northern coastal areas, establishing their authority over the island.

1685

Establishment of the Canton Cohong system

In 1685, the Kangxi emperor legalized private maritime trade along the coast and established the Canton Cohong system, an association of thirteen business firms with exclusive rights to conduct trade with Western merchants in Canton. This system became the only permitted avenue of Western trade into China until its abolition after the Opium War in 1842.

1689

Treaty of Nerchinsk with Russia

The 1689 Treaty of Nerchinsk was China's first formal treaty with a European power, Russia. It kept the border peaceful for the better part of two centuries.

1692

Kangxi Emperor's edict of toleration towards Christianity

The Kangxi Emperor issued an edict of toleration towards Christianity in 1692, allowing for more freedom of religious practice.

1698

Chinese Qing dynasty commences trade with the British

The Chinese Qing dynasty officially began trading with the British in 1698, marking the start of economic relations between the two powers.

1700

Population Growth and Economic Development in 18th Century China

By the end of the 18th century, China's population had doubled to 300 million from the late Ming period, due to factors like peace, stability, and the introduction of new crops from the Americas. This led to a boom in production, expansion of markets, and the rise of merchant guilds with significant social and political influence.

1711

Publication of Peiwen Yunfu

The Kangxi Emperor sponsored the publication of Peiwen Yunfu, a rhyme dictionary in 1711, which remains an authoritative reference in Chinese literature.

1716

Publication of Kangxi Dictionary

The Kangxi Emperor sponsored the publication of the Kangxi Dictionary in 1716, which remains an authoritative reference in Chinese literature.

1723

Yongzheng Emperor's reign begins

After the death of Kangxi Emperor, his fourth son, Prince Yong, became the Yongzheng Emperor in 1723. He promoted Confucian orthodoxy, cracked down on unorthodox sects, and outlawed Christianity.

1724

Yongzheng Emperor proscribes Christianity

In 1724, the Yongzheng Emperor declared Christianity as a 'heterodox teaching' and prohibited its practice.

1725

Formation of the Cohong system

In 1725, the Yongzheng emperor created a parent corporation comprising forty individual mercantile houses in major port cities, known as the Cohong system. This system consolidated trade with Western merchants in Canton and played a crucial role in international trade with China.

1727

Treaty of Kyakhta

A team of Manchus drafted the Treaty of Kyakhta in 1727 to strengthen diplomatic ties with Russia. The Qing agreed to give up territory and trading rights in exchange for freedom to address issues in Mongolia.

1735

Emperor Qianlong's Reign

Emperor Qianlong ruled China from 1735 to 1796, overseeing a prosperous period of expansion and population growth, but facing challenges of corruption and financial loss towards the end of his reign.

1740

Transfer of Han Chinese bannermen into Manchu Banners

In 1740, groups of Han Chinese bannermen were transferred into Manchu Banners by order of the Qing Qianlong emperor, changing their ethnicity from Han Chinese to Manchu.

1750

Publication of The Scholars

Wu Jingzi's highly skilled novel, The Scholars, was published in 1750 during the Qing Dynasty, reflecting social commentary and psychological insight.

1759

Qing Conquest of Dzungaria

In 1759, the Qing dynasty conquered Dzungaria and proclaimed the new land as part of 'China' in a Manchu-language memorial, expanding the empire's territory.

1762

Establishment of Ili General post in Xinjiang

In 1762, the Qing Dynasty established the post of Ili General to exercise unified military and administrative jurisdiction over the regions north and south of the Tian Shan mountains in Xinjiang, also known as Dzungaria and Tarim Basin respectively.

1782

Completion of Complete Library of the Four Treasuries

The Qianlong Emperor sponsored the completion of the largest collection of writings in Chinese history, the Complete Library of the Four Treasuries, in 1782.

1793

China Demands Payment in Silver

In 1793, China shifted its trade policy and demanded to be paid in silver instead of exchanging goods, impacting international trade and economy.

1796

White Lotus Rebellion

In 1796, the White Lotus Rebellion broke out among followers of the White Lotus Society, blaming Qing officials for corruption, famine relief failures, and bureaucratic factionalism. The rebellion lasted until 1804.

1807

Robert Morrison arrives in China as the first Protestant missionary

Robert Morrison of the London Missionary Society arrived in China in 1807, marking the beginning of Protestant Christian missions in the country.

1811

Christian religious activities criminalized by Jiaqing Emperor

In 1811, the Jiaqing Emperor criminalized Christian religious activities, further restricting the practice of Christianity in the Qing Dynasty.

1827

Publication of Flowers in the Mirror

Li Ruzhen's novel, Flowers in the Mirror, was published in 1827 during the Qing Dynasty, showcasing social commentary and psychological insight.

1838

First Opium War

In 1838, the Qing Dynasty of China faced the First Opium War with Britain, who sought trading cities along the Chinese coast. The Qing resisted British influence and the opium trade, but ultimately lost to British forces.

1839

Opium War

In 1839, Lin Zexu was tasked to end the opium trade in China, leading to the First Opium War with Britain. The Qing military's outdated tactics and weaponry were no match for the British forces, resulting in the Treaty of Nanjing.

1842

Treaty of Nanking

In 1842, the Treaty of Nanking was signed, ending the Opium War and leading to the cession of Hong Kong to Britain and opening of Chinese ports to foreign trade.

1846

Imperial ban on Christianity lifted by Treaty

The imperial ban on Christianity was lifted by Treaty in 1846, allowing for the resumption of Christian religious activities.

1850

Outbreak of the Taiping Rebellion

The Taiping Rebellion, led by Hong Xiuquan, broke out in 1850 and became one of the bloodiest conflicts in history, ultimately leading to the collapse of the Qing dynasty less than 50 years later.

1856

Second Opium War

The Second Opium War was triggered by an incident involving the boarding of a ship, the Arrow, by Qing authorities. This led to hostilities between Britain and China, resulting in the Treaty of Tientsin which contained clauses insulting to the Chinese.

1858

Treaty of Tientsin

The Xianfeng Emperor agreed to the Treaty of Tientsin, containing clauses insulting to the Chinese, such as demands for English in official documents and British warships access to Chinese rivers.

1860

Burning of the Old Summer Palace

Anglo-French forces looted and burnt the Old Summer Palace in Beijing as revenge for the arrest, torture, and execution of the English diplomatic mission.

1861

Tongzhi Restoration

The Tongzhi Restoration began in 1861 when the five-year-old Tongzhi Emperor ascended the throne. It aimed to adopt Western military technology while preserving Confucian values, with officials like Zuo Zongtang and Li Hongzhang leading the effort.

1877

Publication of Six Chapters of a Floating Life

Shen Fu demonstrated the charm of the informal memoir with the publication of Six Chapters of a Floating Life in 1877.

1884

Establishment of Xinjiang province

In 1884, the Qing Dynasty established Xinjiang province, changing the governance structure of the region and applying the political system of China proper onto Xinjiang.

1885

First Sino-Japanese War

The First Sino-Japanese War of 1895 was a military humiliation for Qing China, resulting in the Treaty of Shimonoseki which recognized Korean independence and ceded Taiwan and the Pescadores to Japan. The war highlighted China's weakening power in East Asia.

1890

Fan with a map of Chinese provinces

In 1890, a fan was created featuring a map depicting the provinces of China and nearby regions. This cultural achievement showcased the geographical knowledge and artistic skills of the time.

1895

Qing ceded Taiwan to Japan

In 1895, the Qing Dynasty ceded Taiwan to Japan.

1898

Hundred Days' Reform

The Guangxu Emperor initiated the Hundred Days' Reform in 1898, aiming to reorganize the bureaucracy and appoint new officials, but faced opposition and was eventually halted by the Empress Dowager.

1899

Boxer Rebellion

The Boxer Rebellion began in 1899, leading to the persecution of foreigners and Christians in China. Western countries intervened by sending troops and declaring war.

1900

Boxer Rebellion

Widespread drought in North China, combined with imperialist designs of European powers and instability of the Qing government, led to emergence of the Boxers. In 1900, Boxers murdered foreign missionaries and Chinese Christians, besieged the Foreign Legation Quarter in Beijing, and were defeated by the Eight-Nation Alliance.

1901

Late Qing Reform

Empress Dowager Cixi issued an imperial edict calling for reform proposals, leading to the era of the dynasty's 'New Policies' or 'Late Qing Reform'. The reforms included the creation of a national education system and abolition of the imperial examinations in 1905.

1905

Abolition of Imperial Examinations

The Qing dynasty abolished the Imperial Examinations in 1905 as part of reform efforts. The dynasty also sought to introduce consultative assemblies and made other reforms, but these efforts failed to maintain the Qing rule.

1906

Signing of the 1906 Anglo-Chinese Convention

In 1906, the Qing government asserted Chinese sovereignty over Tibet in response to a British expedition force sent to Tibet. The Anglo-Chinese Convention was signed, with Britain agreeing not to annex Tibetan territory and China agreeing not to permit foreign interference in Tibet's administration.

1908

Death of Empress Dowager Cixi

Empress Dowager Cixi, a moderate reformer who oversaw the Tongzhi Restoration, passed away in 1908, leaving the Qing dynasty in a state of turmoil.

1908-11-14

Death of Emperor Guangxu

On November 14, 1908, Emperor Guangxu of China died of arsenic poisoning, which was followed by the death of Empress Dowager Cixi the next day.

1908-11-15

Death of Empress Dowager Cixi

Empress Dowager Cixi passes away, marking a significant event in the history of the Qing Dynasty.

1911-01-01

Establishment of the Republic of China

On January 1, 1912, the Republic of China was established in Nanjing, marking the end of the Qing dynasty and the beginning of a period of instability.

1911-10-10

Wuchang Uprising

The Wuchang Uprising of 10 October 1911 led to the rejection of Qing rule by most provinces and the establishment of the Republic of China in Nanjing with Sun Yat-sen as provisional head. This marked the beginning of the end of Imperial China.

1912-02-12

Abdication of Puyi

Empress Dowager Longyu issued an imperial edict bringing about the abdication of the child emperor Puyi on 12 February 1912, ending over 2,000 years of Imperial China and ushering in a period of warlord factionalism.

1985

The Great Enterprise: The Manchu Reconstruction of Imperial Order in Seventeenth-Century China

The book 'The Great Enterprise' by Frederic Wakeman, published in 1985, focuses on the Manchu Reconstruction of Imperial Order in Seventeenth-Century China.

2000

Manchus & Han: Ethnic Relations and Political Power

Edward J.M. Rhoads' book from 2000 delves into the ethnic relations and political dynamics between the Manchus and Han Chinese during the late Qing and early Republican China.

2017

China's Conquest of Taiwan in the Seventeenth Century

The book 'China's Conquest of Taiwan in the Seventeenth Century: Victory at Full Moon' by Young-tsu Wong discusses the historical events surrounding China's conquest of Taiwan during the 17th century.

End of the Timeline
Qing Dynasty