Medieval China | Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests) PDF Download

Boxer Rebellion (1898-1900)

The Boxer Rebellion, also known as the Yihetuan Movement, emerged as a violent and anti-Christian movement during the late Qing dynasty from 1898 to 1900. The Boxers, a group known as the Militia United in Righteousness, fueled by proto-nationalist sentiments and opposition to foreign imperialism and Christianity, initiated the rebellion. The Great Powers intervened and ultimately defeated the Chinese forces.

Chinese Revolution (1911–1912)

The Xinhai Revolution of 1911 marked a significant mutiny across southern China, leading to the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of a republic. The nationalist democratic revolt paved the way for the formation of the Provisional Republican Government in Nanjing, with Dr. Sun Yat Sen as its President.

Dictatorship: Yuan Shih Kai (1912-1916)

Following the establishment of the provisional government, Yuan Shih Kai, a former minister under the Qing Dynasty, orchestrated a move to become the president for life and even announced a new imperial dynasty with himself as the emperor during 1915-1916.

Warlord Era (1916-1928)

The Warlord Era was a tumultuous period characterized by the division of control among military cliques in different regions of mainland China.

First United Front (1923-1927)

The First United Front, an alliance between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Communist Party of China (CPC), formed in 1923 to end warlordism in the country. However, internal conflicts and differing objectives led to its eventual dissolution, initiating a civil war between the two parties.

Northern Expedition (1926-1928)

The Northern Expedition, led by the Kuomintang, aimed to unify China by ending the rule of the Beiyang government and local warlords. This campaign marked the end of the Warlord Era, leading to the reunification of China in 1928.

Nanjing Decade and Civil War (1927-1937)

During the Nanjing decade, which began in 1927, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek took control of Nanjing and declared it the national capital. Simultaneously, the Chinese Civil War between the Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) and the Communist Party intensified, with the Nationalists attempting to destroy the Communists using Encirclement Campaigns.

Second United Front (1937-1941)

The Second United Front temporarily brought together the Kuomintang and the Communist Party to resist the Japanese invasion during the Second Sino-Japanese War. It suspended the Chinese Civil War between 1937 and 1941.

Chinese Civil War (1927-1950)

The Chinese Civil War was a prolonged conflict between the forces loyal to the Kuomintang-led government of the Republic of China and the Communist Party of China. The civil war essentially ended in 1950, resulting in the formation of two de facto states: the Republic of China in Taiwan and the People's Republic of China on the mainland.

Chinese Communist Revolution (1921-1949)

The Chinese Communist Revolution, the second phase of the Chinese Civil War from 1946 to 1949, culminated in the victory of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC). This led to the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949.

The Major Black Marks on China

After the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the nation faced several challenges and dark periods in its history. Two significant events include the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) and the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989.

Cultural Revolution (1966-1976)

The Cultural Revolution was a socio-political movement initiated by Chairman Mao Zedong to preserve true Communist ideology by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society. The movement paralyzed the country politically and significantly impacted its economy and social fabric.

Tiananmen Square Protests of 1989

The Tiananmen Square protests were a student-led movement in Beijing during the spring of 1989, demanding democratic reforms and exposing deep divisions within China's political leadership. The protests were forcefully suppressed by the Chinese government, leading to the tragic Tiananmen Square Massacre.

Modern China

Following the dark periods of the past, modern China has witnessed significant transformations under various leaderships:

• 1949-1976: Socialist transformation under Mao Zedong
• 1976-1989: Economic reforms under Deng Xiaoping
• 1989-2002: Economic growth under the third generation leadership
• 2002-present: Fourth-generation reforms