Qing Dynasty

The Yongzheng & Qianlong emperors

Yongzheng (r. 1723 - 1735) and his son Qianlong (r. 1735 - 1796) and their reigns were at the height of Qing power.

Related Topics:
Yongzheng - 1723 - 1735 - Qianlong - 1796

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After Kangxi's death in the winter of 1722, his fourth son Yinzhen succeeded as the Yongzheng Emperor. Yongzheng remained a controversial character because of rumours about him usurping the throne, and for the late Kangxi years was involved in great political struggles with his brothers. Yongzheng was a hardworking administrator who ruled with an iron hand. His first big step towards a stronger regime came when he brought the State Examination System back to its original standards. In 1724 he cracked down on illegal exchange rates of coins, which was being manipulated by officials to fit their financial needs. Those who were found in violation of new laws on finances were removed from office, or in extreme cases, executed.

Related Topics:
Yongzheng Emperor - State Examination System

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Yongzheng showed a great amount of trust in Han officials, and appointed many of his proteges to prestigious positions. Nian Gengyao was appointed to lead a military campaign in place of his brother Yinti in Qinghai. Nian's arrogant actions, however, led to his downfall in 1726. Yongzheng's reign saw consolidation of imperial power at its height in Chinese history. More territory was incorporated in the Northwest. A toughened stance was directed towards corrupt officials, and Yongzheng led the creation of a Civil Affairs Department (軍機處), which grew to become the de facto Cabinet for the rest of the dynasty.

Related Topics:
Han - Nian Gengyao - Yinti - Qinghai - Civil Affairs Department

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Yongzheng died in 1735. This was followed by the succession of his son Hongli as the Qianlong Emperor. Qianlong was known as an able general. Succeeding the throne at the age of 24, Qianlong personally led the military in campaigns near Xinjiang and Mongolia. Revolts and uprisings in Sichuan and parts of southern China were successfully calmed.

Related Topics:
1735 - Qianlong Emperor - Xinjiang - Mongolia - Sichuan

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Around forty years into Qianlong's reign, the Qing government saw a return of rampant corruption. The official Heshen was arguably one of the most corrupt in the entire Qing Dynasty. He was eventually forced to commit suicide by Qianlong's son, the Jiaqing Emperor (r. 1796 - 1820).

Related Topics:
Heshen - Jiaqing Emperor - 1796 - 1820

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