The many instances of regional insurgency and unrest that erupted on China's borderlands at the turn of the nineteenth century are often regarded by scholars as evidence of government disability and the incipient decline of the imperial Qing dynasty. This book, based on extensive original research, argues that, on the contrary, the response of the imperial government went well beyond pacification and reconstruction, and demonstrates that the imperial political culture was dynamic, innovative and capable of confronting contemporary challenges. The author highlights in particular the Jiaqing Reforms of 1799, which enabled national reformist ideology, activist-oriented administrative education, the development of specialised frontier officials, comprehensive borderland rehabilitation, and the sharing of borderland administration best practice between different regions. Overall, the book shows that the Qing regime had sustained vigour, albeit in difficult and changing circumstances.

About the Author
Daniel McMahon is a Professor in the Department of History, at Fu Jen Catholic University, Taiwan

Reviews

"This book brings a new and significant perspective to the study of China's Qing dynasty, and such a thought-provoking volume will be invaluable to both scholars and students of Chinese borderlands and Qing political history."

Hang Lin, Asian Affairs

Book Information
ISBN 9781138573871
Author Daniel McMahon
Format Paperback
Page Count 212
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g