The Qing Dynasty (1644-1912)

The Qing Dynasty (1644-1912)



Flag of the Qing Dynasty (1890-1912)



Reasons for Take-over

The reasons that the Qing Dynasty came to power was because of the Manchus from Manchuria. They invaded China in the 1600's. The invasion proved to be very successful because the government of the Ming Dynasty was weak. The invasion was also successful because the Ming Dynasty weakened during and after the Fall of Beijing. Li Zicheng and peasants invaded Beijing and took over. The Ming Emperor committed suicide. The Chinese Armies were not strong. It is also because there were many peasant rebellions that occurred.

Pu Yi



Pu Yi was born on February 7, 1906 and died on October 17, 1967. He was the last Emperor of China and the 12th Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. He came to the throne at the age of two years and ten months. He had two brothers, Pujie and Puren. Pu Yi did not see his real mother for six years. On March 1, 1932, Pu Yi became the ruler of Manchukuo by the Japanese. He also had five wives. At the end of World War II Pu Yi was captured by the Soviet Red Army. He died in Beijing because of complications of kidney cancer and heart disease during the Cultural Revolution in 1967. His body was cremated. His ashes were placed at the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery.

Napoleon Bonaparte



Napoleon Bonaparte was born on August 15, 1769 and died on May 5, 1821. He was a French military and political leader. He was a general during the French Revolution. He was born in Corsica. Napoleon made a Coup d’Etat and crowned himself Emperor. Napoleon was exiled to Elba and escaped. He ruled France for 100 more days before his final defeat at Waterloo on June 18, 1815. He was exiled to St. Helena and died there. Napoleon established the Napoleonic Code. He married two women. A physician chosen by Napoleon’s army said that he died of stomach cancer. In the later half of the 20th century, scientists say he died of arsenic poisoning. He was buried on the banks of the Seine River in France.

Accomplishments

Technology

Colored glazes developed such as copper red. Also, agriculture and farming improved. There were new fertilizers produced. Before the First Opium War, China needed to make more arsenal and military equipment. Dockyards and arsenals were made. Schools for mechanics were established. Ships were constructed.

Economic

Crops from the New World such as tobacco, yellow corn, and potatoes were introduced to China. Qing porcelain, textiles, sugar, paper, tea, and steel was exported around the world. The territory of China doubled from 1,532,800 sq. mi. to 4,278,000 sq. mi. New laws of finances was created to stop the exchange rates of coins. Trade was now done by sea.

Social

Since the Manchus of Manchuria were the start of the Qing Dynasty, there are many races involved. The Qing Dynasty abolished the Imperial Examination and built universities. Instead of focusing of Confucian readings, Math and Science was studied. The Ching-Hsi or Chinese Opera also came into existence. It is not widely performed in China. Foot binding is a custom practised by females in China. It literally means bound feet. At around the age of six, a young girl's foot is wrapped in tight bandages so they do not grow normally. Instead, the foot will break and become deformed. At an older age, there are risks of developing paralysis and various diseases. Foot binding is only for the wealthy and became popular during the late Qing Dynasty. It is common for women to be foot bound except the poor because they have to work in the fields and do hard labour.

Government

Because of accepting other races and religions, the Emperors during the Qing Dynasty powered over Tibet, Mongolia, and Turkestan. The Han Chinese were allowed equal positions in the government with the Manchus of Manchuria.

Religion/Philosophy

During the Qing Dynasty, Neo-Confucianism became popular. Neo-Confucianism is a mixture of Taoist cosmology and Buddhist spirituality and using some of Confucian ideas about society and government. Neo-Confucianism was also practised in Japan and Korea. Zhu Xi was a very famous Chinese Neo-Confucian. The Qing Dynasty accepted various religions. They supported the Buddhists of Tibet and the Muslims of Turkestan.


Pilgrim flask, porcelain with underglaze blue and iron-red decoration


Qing Dynasty Coin


Ching-hsi (Peking Opera)


Tobacco


Yellow Corn


Potatoes


Foot Binding


Zhu Xi, a famous Neo-Confucian

Reasons for Fall


Dr. Sun Yat Sen who led the China to become a Republic


Yuan Shikai, a politician, general, and anti-Qing

The Qing Dynasty fell because of many rebellions, the government, and Dr. Sun Yat Sen. Due to the increase of trade, Britain viewed China as an easy target for opium trade. However, China underestimated Britain’s power resulting in the First Opium War. The Chinese were defeated and had to sign the Treaty of Nanjing. They had to give Hong Kong to the British, pay money, and open five ports for trade. Rebellions led to the fall of the Qing Dynasty. They include the Boxer, Tientsin, Nien, Muslim and Taiping rebellion. Dr. Sun Yat Sen was also a cause. He was anti-Qing. Dr. Sun Yat Sen attended an American School in Hawaii and knew that other countries around the world were much more advanced than China. He thought that in order for China to become as advanced as the other countries, China would have to become a republic. The Manchus, who were ruling the Qing Dynasty did not want change. Dr. Sun Yat Sen tried 10 attempts to start a rebellion but there was not success. In 1911, the economy in China reached a difficult situation. The government asked the people to pay a lot of taxes. A retired Manchu general named Yuan Shikai was also anti-Qing. He convinced Pu Yi, the Manchu emperor to form a republic. Pu Yi stepped down from the throne and decided that the form of government in China shall be a Constitutional Republic. The Qing Dynasty came to an end. China is now called the Republic of China.

Works Cited

"Ch'ing Dynasty." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica 2007 Ultimate Reference Suite . Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2008.
http://bethany.mca.org.tw/secondary/g7/dynasty-project/Qing/Qing.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qing_Dynasty#Fall_of_the_dynasty
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puyi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon
http://europeanhistory.about.com/library/readyref/blpersonnapoleonbonaparte.htm
http://www.chinaorbit.com/china-culture/chinese-history/qing-dynasty-china.html
http://www.ccds.charlotte.nc.us/History/China/save/maidt/Maidt.html
http://faculty.washington.edu/mkalton/NeoConfucianism.htm

Wildfires

Introduction to Wildfires

Wildfires are one of the most destructive natural forces known to mankind. They are also known as a wild land fire, forest fire, vegetation fire, grass fire, peat fire, or hill fire. Wildfires are sometimes caused by lightning but nine out of ten wildfires are caused by human carelessness. They are also caused by the build up of vegetation, arson, camp fires, discarding of cigarettes, improperly burnt debris, playing with matches or fireworks, prescribed fires, volcano eruptions, heat waves, climate changes, and El Niños. Common effects of wildfires include landslides, erosion, changes in water and air quality, and the extinction of various animal species. LEDC's suffer more from wildfires because of the lack of fire protection plans and early warning systems such as in South Africa.






Areas of the World affected by Wildfires

Areas of the world that are affected by wildfires include the forested areas of the USA, the states of California, Oregon, Michigan, Arizona, Montana etc. and in Canada, Ontario and British Columbia. They occur in the vegetated areas of Australia and the Western Cape of South Africa. Also, during the summer, fall, grasslands and scrublands. Countries include Greece, Italy, France, Portugal, Poland, Spain and Indonesia.



The California fires: October 20 - November 9 2007

An example of wildfires occurs not long ago, throughout California on October 20th to November 9th 2007. The causes of the California fires are caused by droughts in Southern California, which was the driest year on record, hot weather, unusually strong Santa Ana winds with gusts reaching 85 mph, power lines damaged by high winds, a semi-truck overturn, kids playing with matches, and cigarettes. Most of the causes of the California fires were due to human carelessness to the environment.
The effects of the California fires are that at least 1,500 homes were destroyed, over 500,000 acres of land burned from Santa Barbara County to the U.S – Mexico border. 10 people died of direct flame contact. 85 injured including at least 61 fire fighters. Almost 3,000 prisoners convicted of non-violent crimes. More than 900,000 evacuated, which was the largest evacuation in the history of California. Surprisingly, the number of people evacuated in San Diego county exceeded the number evacuated from New Orleans, Lousiana during Hurricane Katrina. Roads were closed because of fire and smoke. On October 21 the Harris Fire damaged and disabeled the Southwest Power Link, a 500-volt power line from Arizona to San Diego. There were power outages in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and other places around that area. Smoke enters the lungs and bloodstream and leads to lung diseases, cancer, asthma and various kinds of diseases. Smoke covers California resulting in unhealthy air and water quality.





Why People Live in Fire Prone Areas

People live in Fire prone areas because the view, economy, history, and increased fire protection policies. Such as in California, there is 1/10 of the total oil supply of the United States and the view is enjoyable, so people will risk their lives for that. There are 264 state parks and beaches which is a major attraction to retired and elderly citizens. Mavericks, an area of a beach in San Mateo County is considered one of the three best surfing locations in the world because the waves are up to 30 feet. This is also a factor why people decide to live in Fire prone areas. California plants an average of 7 trees for every one harvested. Also, California is the largest producer of goods of all the states and the largest agricultural state in America. California was also the first state to ever reach a trillion dollar economy gross state product. It has the largest economy in the United States and is ranked the 7th largest economy in the world. Central Valley, a flat plain of 75 miles long is the richest farming region in the history of the world. Fire protection policies have improved because more people are immigrating to California each year. There are increased fire protection policies and plans. Some also live in fire prone areas because it is a hassle to move houses.



Protection Measures for Wildfires

To protect you and your family from encountering wildfires, start at the backyard. One reason for the cause of wildfires is because of the increase in outdoor activity. Grass-burning fires can be a cause of wildfires. When burning materials in the backyard, use tools, water, and enough people to control the fire. The fire must not be allowed to burn when the wind is strong enough to carry sparks to other fire consuming materials. Another issue is camping. Be sure to select your campsite carefully and remove all leaves, twigs, and other flammable materials from the area. Never leave a campfire unattended and keep a bucket of water close at all times. Make a ring of rocks at least six feet from trees and debris. Be sure to completely extinguish the fire before leaving the campsite. Pour water on the fire until embers and ashes are cold. Depending on which areas you live in, arsonists cause fires throughout the USA that result in risk to property, people, wildlife, and high financial losses. If this incident happens, report immediately to local authorities. Generally, do not smoke on dry grounds. Use ashtrays. Don’t park vehicles on dry grass as they could cause smoke. Never take burning sticks out of a wildfire. Also, avoid using stoves, lanterns, and heaters inside a tent. Store flammable liquid containers in a safe place out of reach of children.



The Future of Wildfires and Global Warming

In the future, wildfires will have an impact on millions of people worldwide especially where the climate is originally hot and dry. There would be improvement in the Wildfire Threat Rating System (WTRS.) For California’s future, they will try to obtain more water-dropping helicopters and the U.S. Marines have agreed to train with Californian fire fighters. Military aircrafts are called to supply resources for fires when necessary.
Global warming will definitely cause more wildfires because the earth is constantly getting hotter. The climate will change. It will become warmer, drier, and windier. There will be more frequent wildfires due to the drier weather. Warmer temperatures are to lead to greater bark beetle infestations in forests. It is supposedly that there is going to be North America’s largest-ever insect infestation. It’s just a matter of time before this catastrophe happens. There will be an earlier start in the fire season and higher fire danger and damage. Around the world, there will be more fires. There will most likely be a decrease in the population due to smoke and weather. People are prone to suffering from diseases such as asthma and lung cancer because of poor air and water quality from wildfire smoke.

WORKS CITED

http://www.usgs.gov/hazards/wildfires/
http://science.howstuffworks.com/wildfire.htm
http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/news/wildfires/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_wildfires_of_October_2007
http://news.yahoo.com/fc/US/Wildfires_and_Forest_Fires
http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/enviro/californiafires.html#a1
http://www.weatherwizkids.com/wildfire1.htm
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/10/27/fyi/main2132341.shtml?source=RSS&attr=_2132341
http://www.smokeybear.com/wildfires.asp
http://www.redcross.org/general/0,1082,0_578_325,00.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_forest_fires
http://www.fs.fed.us/news/fire/firemap.shtml
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph-romm/global-warming-and-the-ca_b_69695.html
http://www.nwf.org/nationalwildlife/article.cfm?issueID=69&articleID=974
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15876209
http://calfire.blogspot.com

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