Xinhai Revolution 1911 - HDR Photo

The Xinhai Revolution or Hsinhai Revolution, also known as Revolution of 1911 or the Chinese Revolution, was a revolution that overthrew China's last imperial dynasty, the Qing (1644–1912), and established the Republic of China. The revolution was named Xinhai because it occurred in 1911, the year of the Xinhai stem-branch in the sexagenary cycle of the Chinese calendar.[1]

The revolution consisted of many revolts and uprisings. The turning point is the Wuchang Uprising on October 10, 1911, that was a result of the mishandling of the Railway Protection Movement. The revolution ended with the abdication of the "Last Emperor" Puyi on February 12, 1912, that marked the end of over 2,000 years of Imperial China and the beginning of China's Republican era.[2]

In general the revolution was a reaction to three main factors: (1) the declining Qing state and its inability to reform and modernize China to confront the challenges posed by foreign powers, (2) to reverse domestic decline, and (3) the majority Han Chinese's resentment of the ruling Manchu minority. Many underground anti-Qing groups with the support of Chinese revolutionaries in exile had tried to overthrow the Qing. The brief civil war that ensued was ended through a political compromise between Yuan Shikai, the late Qing military strongman, and Sun Yat-sen, the leader of the Tongmenghui (United League). After the Qing court transferred power to the newly founded republic, a provisional coalition government was created along with the National Assembly. However, political power of the new national government in Beijing was soon thereafter monopolized by Yuan and led to decades of political division and warlordism, including several attempts at imperial restoration.

Today both the Republic of China on Taiwan and the People's Republic of China on the mainland consider themselves to be successors to the Xinhai Revolution and continue to pay homage to the ideals of the revolution including nationalism, republicanism, modernization of China and the national unity. October 10 is commemorated in Taiwan as Double Ten Day, the National Day of the Republic of China. In mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, the same day is usually celebrated as the Anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution.[3] Many overseas Chinese also celebrate the anniversary in Chinatowns across the world.

rating

9.3

Votes 7

Uploaded on 07 Feb 07:18
by fredzhang

pandarino

nice process

On February 07, 2012 11:04

rcuello

Great picture. Interesting story. I do not know if the movie "Last Emperor" accurately reflects what happened, but I loved it.

On February 07, 2012 11:18

arthakker

i love these cannons!

On February 07, 2012 11:18

alessioputzu

i kinda hear them shoot

On February 07, 2012 11:53

digicam

Excellent Composition.

On February 07, 2012 20:57

monaris

Nice.

On February 07, 2012 22:22