From Imperial Court to National Government: The Boxer Uprising & 1911 Revolution

Question 1

What event marked the end of over 2,000 years of dynastic rule in China?

Answer 1

The 1911 Revolution

The 1911 Revolution ended the Imperial system, leading to the establishment of the Republic of China.

Question 2

What is the approximate land area that China occupies?

Answer 2

Approximately one-fourteenth of the land area of Earth.

Question 3

What was China’s population around the year 1900?

Answer 3

Approximately 415 million.

Question 4

Which dynasty ruled China for nearly 2,000 years before the 1911 Revolution?

Answer 4

The Qing dynasty.

Question 5

What theory defended the Imperial system in China?

Answer 5

The Mandate of Heaven.

Question 6

Who were the Boxers in the context of the Boxer Rebellion?

Answer 6

A group organized by the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists.

Question 7

What was one major consequence of the Boxer Rebellion?

Answer 7

A six-nation force invaded China and captured Beijing.

Question 8

What was the purpose of the self-strengthening movement initiated in the 1860s?

Answer 8

To learn from foreigners and apply their sciences and technology in China.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: The Dowager Empress Cixi opposed reforms and was known for her _______.

Answer 9

corruption.

Question 10

What was a significant factor leading to the 1911 Revolution?

Answer 10

Railway expansion across China.

Question 11

What did the Qing government decide regarding railway lines in May 1911?

Answer 11

To nationalise the railway lines.

Question 12

What sparked the Wuchang Uprising?

Answer 12

Rumors of a massacre of the Han population in Hankou.

Question 13

Who was appointed Prime Minister of the Imperial cabinet to suppress the revolution?

Answer 13

Yuan Shikai.

Question 14

What was established on January 1, 1912?

Answer 14

The Republic of China.

Question 15

What was the role of Yuan Shikai in the founding of the Republic?

Answer 15

He persuaded Emperor Puyi to abdicate.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: The 1911 Revolution resulted in the end of the _______ dynasty.

Answer 16

Qing.

Question 17

What was the outcome of the elections held in February 1913?

Answer 17

Sun Yat-Sen’s party won 43% of the vote.

Question 18

True or False: Yuan Shikai supported real democracy in the Republic of China.

Answer 18

False.

Question 19

What did Yuan Shikai rely on to maintain stability in the Republic?

Answer 19

Foreign support, particularly from Britain.

Question 20

What percentage of the vote did Sun Yat-Sen’s Chinese Nationalist Party (Guomindang/GMD) win in February 1913?

Answer 20

43%

This election marked a significant moment in the early Republican era in China.

Question 21

Who ignored the constitution and became a dictator after the 1913 election?

Answer 21

Yuan Shikai

Yuan Shikai’s actions undermined the democratic aspirations of the new Republic.

Question 22

What did Yuan Shikai use to control opposition?

Answer 22

The army

Yuan Shikai’s reliance on military force highlighted his authoritarian rule.

Question 23

Which country provided significant foreign support to Yuan Shikai?

Answer 23

Britain

This support was motivated by Britain’s economic interests in maintaining trade links with China.

Question 24

What was the primary focus of the revolution that overthrew the Manchu Dynasty?

Answer 24

Overthrowing the Manchu Dynasty

Little attention was given to economic or social reforms during this period.

Question 25

What were the unequal treaties that China was forced to sign called?

Answer 25

The Twenty-One Demands ## Footnote These demands were imposed by Japan in January 1915, further weakening China's sovereignty.

Question 26

What did the Twenty-One Demands include regarding Japanese control?

Answer 26

Control over mining & railway companies, and administrative control over southern Manchuria and eastern Inner Mongolia ## Footnote These demands were a significant infringement on China's economic and political autonomy.

Question 27

What event on 7 May 1915 is referred to as National Humiliation Day?

Answer 27

Yuan Shikai accepted Japanese demands ## Footnote This date is remembered for the perceived loss of Chinese sovereignty.

Question 28

Who replaced Yuan Shikai after his death in 1916?

Answer 28

Zhang Xun ## Footnote Zhang Xun attempted to restore Emperor Puyi to the throne but was unsuccessful.

Question 29

What chaotic period followed Yuan Shikai's government?

Answer 29

The Era of the Warlords (1917-26) ## Footnote This period was characterized by fragmentation and warlordism in China.

Question 30

True or False: The new Republic of China was recognized by most of the world.

Answer 30

True ## Footnote Despite its recognition, China faced significant challenges from foreign powers.

Question 31

Fill in the blank: Yuan Shikai's government collapsed after the Japanese demanded further influence over the Chinese economy and politics in the _______.

Answer 31

Twenty-One Demands ## Footnote The collapse was a consequence of Yuan's inability to resist foreign pressures.

Question 32

What was the public perception of China during Yuan Shikai's rule?

Answer 32

Weak and corrupt ## Footnote This perception contributed to the nationalists' frustrations and discontent with the government.