Short Essay on the Chinese Revolution of 1911

During the riddle of the 19th century, the condition of the Manchu rulers was very deplorable and the central government of Peking was very weak. The means of transportations and communications were underdeveloped, hence the central government of China was not in a position to exercise control over the provinces of China.

Taking the advantage of this critical situation the provincial commanders of China began to violate the authority of the central government. All the Chinese sources of income were also dominated by the foreigners and they could not levy any fresh tax without the permission of the foreigners.

Owing to lack of money the Chinese government was unable to consolidate her military power and to get rid of the economic imperialism of the countries of Europe. The Manchu rulers failed to make any reform in the country and led the country to decline.

However, under the influence of the rebels the Manchu rulers endeavoured to make some reforms, but they did not succeed in their mission and paved the path of revolution.

According to ancient political traditions of China, the entire country was recognised as a national family whose chief was the emperor of China. It was prevalent in this connection that so long as the king continued to work for the good and welfare of the people, the people would respect him and he would remain seated on the throne.

But in case, he began to behave contrary to the interests of the people, the country would fall a prey to the droughts, floods and famines. It was an indication that the king was unfit for the throne and the people were inspired to dethrone him.

Confucius had once said, just as it is the duty of the son to oppose his father at the time of sin and corruption, in the same way, the ministers should oppose their emperor.

One of the prominent historians has remarked, “If the emperor began to consider his subjects as soil and grass, the subjects should also regard him an enemy and dacoit.”

On account of the prevalence of such feelings the political awareness always remained in China and its expression was clearly manifest in the frequent revolts and revolutions which broke out in China from time to time.

After the outbreak of Boxer revolt, the internal condition of China had become very deplorable and her external prestige was also put at stake. Queen Tzu Hsi decided to take some effective steps in the field of administration and with this determination she carried out some reforms in the education system and army.

In order to seek the cooperation of the people, in 1908 provincial assemblies were organised in China for the first time. In the meanwhile the queen breathed her last.

The new emperor Prince Chun continued the reforms of the queen and as a result of his policy in 1910; a National Assembly criticised and condemned the working system of government.

Owing to their nationalistic feelings, the emperor and his government did not relish the policy of National Assembly.

They wanted to impose restrictions and endeavoured to establish their control over it. It resulted in a tug of war and ultimately in the outbreak of revolution. The following causes also contributed to it:

Rising Population

The people of China were very much perturbed due to rapid increase of population. The average development of edibles was much lower than the increase of population. It resulted in the shortage of food grains.

In 1885 the total population of China was 37,70,00,000 but by the year 1911 it reached the figure of 43,99,99,999. The Manchu rulers did not make any effort for the increase of production nor did they produce extra land for cultivators.

Hence the people began to starve due to lack of agricultural production and it became extremely difficult for them to earn their livelihood. The dissatisfaction, ultimately, led to the outbreak of revolution.

Natural Calamities

Too much rainfall and floods adversely affected the agricultural production. The famine also added to the miseries of the people of China.

The floods of 1910-11 not only affected the production of the country but also took several lives. Seeing the destruction caused by the floods, the feelings of revolt began to rise among the people of China and the signs of revolution became manifest.