Qing Dynasty

Kangxi and Consolidation

The Kangxi Emperor (r. 1662 - 1722) assumed the throne at age seven. During the early years of his reign, he was largely aided by his grandmother, the Grand Empress Dowager, Xiaozhuang.

Related Topics:
Kangxi Emperor - 1662 - 1722 - Grand Empress Dowager - Xiaozhuang

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The Manchus found controlling their newly won empire a daunting task. The vastness of China's territory meant that there were only enough banner troops to garrison key cities forming the backbone of a defence network that relied heavily on surrendered Ming soldiers.

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In addition, three surrendered Ming generals were singled out for their contributions to the Qing imperial cause, ennobled as feudal princes (藩王), and given governorships over vast territories in Southern China. The chief of these was Wu Sangui, who was given the provinces of Yunnan, and Guizhou, while generals Shang Kexi (尚可喜) and Geng Zhongming (耿仲明) were given Guangdong and Fujian provinces, respectively.

Related Topics:
Wu Sangui - Guizhou - Shang Kexi - Geng Zhongming - Guangdong - Fujian

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As the years went by, the three feudal lords and their territories inevitably became increasingly autonomous. Finally, in 1673, Shang Kexi petitioned Kangxi Emperor, stating his desire to retire to his home town in Liaodong (遼東) province and nominating his son as his successor. The young emperor granted his retirement but denied the heredity of his fief. In reaction, the two other generals decided to petition for their own retirements to test Kangxi's resolve, thinking that he wouldn't risk offending them. The move backfired as the young emperor called their bluff by accepting their requests and ordering all three fiefdoms to be reverted back to the crown.

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Faced with the stripping of their powers, Wu Sangui felt he had no choice but to rise up in revolt. He was joined by Geng Zhongming and Shang Kexi's son Shang Zhixin (尚之信). The ensuing rebellion lasted for eight years. At the peak of the rebels' fortunes, they managed to extend their control as far north as the river Changjiang (長江). Ultimately, though, the Qing government was able to put down the rebellion and exert control over all of southern China. The rebellion would be known in Chinese history as the Revolt of the Three Feudatories.

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The threats, however, weren't all internal. Kangxi personally led China on a series of military campaigns against Tibet, the Jüün Ghar, and later Russia. He arranged the marriage of his daughter to the Khan Gordhun to avoid an invasion. Gordhun's military campaign against the Qing failed, further strengthening the Empire. Taiwan was also taken by Qing forces in 1683 from Zheng Jing's son, Zheng Ke-Shuang; the former(his grandfather Koxinga) had conquered it from the Dutch. By the end of the 17th century, China was at its most powerful since the early Yuan Dynasty.

Related Topics:
Kangxi - Tibet - Jüün Ghar - Russia - Gordhun - Taiwan - 1683 - Zheng Jing - Zheng Ke-Shuang - Dutch - 17th century - Yuan Dynasty

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Kangxi also handled many Jesuit Missionaries that came to China hoping for mass conversions. Although they failed in their attempt, Kangxi still peacefully kept the missionaries in Beijing.

Related Topics:
Jesuit - Beijing

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Kangxi had also strengthened the Qing Government's control over China proper.

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