Modern History of China (Part 1)

Since Ancient Times, China has always been the centralized state, that is, it has a strong state structure and has various agencies responsible for different jobs, such as the civil service examination services. or the censorate, responsible for monitoring public servants on corruption, etc.

Portrait of an Ancient Chinese Imperial Civil Service Examination.

The Emperor also reigned supreme, holding absolute autocratic power in terms of governance, while the peasantry hold little to no power.

Centralization is the important aspect of Chinese History, From the pioneers of the Shang Dynasty, to the all-powerful Communist Party of China. The authority is so powerful that it can do many impossible task from time to time in history, for example, Building the Great Wall.

Map showing the Great Wall of China, represented by the red line, on the current territory of the People’s Republic of China.

But on the other hand, Commoners mostly didn’t interfere with the state affairs. except the time when incompetence ruled over the dynasty, making everyone in the state suffer, Inevitably, the peasantry will overthrown the current ruling dynasty at that time, replaced it with the new dynasty, and then by that time, the situation will return to normal.

The Dynastic Cycle

This Factor will have an important impact, when the Xinhai Revolution, the event where the last dynasty of Qing got overthrow in 1911, occurred, and the so-called “Republic” of China was established.

Illustration of the Battle during the Xinhai Revolution.

That will be the topic for future uploads, Until next time.