A look back at local, national and global events through the Deseret News archives.
On October 10, 1911, Chinese revolutionaries launched an uprising that led to the collapse of the Qing (or Manchu) dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China.
The Wuchang Uprising was an armed uprising against the ruling Qing dynasty that took place in Wuchang on October 10, 1911, beginning the Xinhai Revolution that successfully overthrew China’s last imperial dynasty.
The riot was front-page news in the Deseret News.
Founded in 1644 by a Northeast Asian people who called themselves Manchus, their culture, language and identity differed from the Chinese population, whom they conquered in 1644 when China was weakened by internal uprisings. According to stories, Manchu rule did not completely uproot the Chinese government and its social and cultural life; instead, Manchu rulers selectively continued and adapted aspects of Chinese life that they admired.
The Manchu rulers modeled many of their government practices after those of China’s previous Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
Americans in the early 20th century were aware of the changing political structure in China and were exposed to cultural appreciations of the culture. On January 1, 1912, the Chinese people proclaimed a free republic. Among other political goals, the Chinese hoped to finally act as equal nations against other world powers.
Here are some stories from the Deseret News archives about the Qing and Ming dynasties and China’s political path through the years:
“This week in history: The founding of the Chinese Republic”
“In China we look to the past and prepare for the future”
“Previously ‘hidden’ Ming and Qing art on display”
“‘Madame Mao’ rewrites history”
“A visit to the Heavenly Empire – our journey to China”
“Lives of Chinese Emperors – in art”
“Personal view of Chinese history”
“Important events in the history of Hong Kong”
“China compiles its own Wikipedia, but the public cannot edit it”
