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Ming and Qing History 44 Sino-Japanese War

Duration: 0:08:57

This is a story about the Battle of the Yellow Sea that took place in 1894 during the Qing dynasty in China. The battle occurred after the corrupt Qing dynasty signed a series of unequal treaties with Western colonial powers. Japan, feeling left out after not gaining substantial benefits from these treaties, decided to use force to gain access to China. The Battle of the Yellow Sea was a significant naval confrontation between the Chinese and Japanese naval fleets. The battle resulted in heavy losses for the Chinese navy, but they managed to hold their ground and inflict substantial damage on the Japanese navy. The heroism and bravery of the Chinese naval officer, Deng Shichang, who went down with his sinking ship, the Zhiyuan, inspired the Chinese people and became a symbol of patriotism.

Language: Chinese
Topics: HistorySino-Japanese War

Ming and Qing History 43 Burning the Old Summer Palace

Duration: 0:09:02

This Chinese historical story recounts the burning of the Yuanmingyuan (Summer Palace) in Beijing during the Second Opium War in 1860. This was a result of Western colonial powers such as Britain, America, and France forcing unequal treaties upon the Qing government, that allowed them to loot China's wealth. A Chinese ship was seized by the British under false pretences, which triggered the war. The Yuanmingyuan, which was an elaborate palace complex built over centuries by Qing emperors and interwoven with traditional Chinese and Western architectural styles, was looted and burned to the ground by the Western forces. The palace had been filled with countless treasures, artworks, and historical artifacts. The destruction of the palace is regarded as one of the greatest cultural losses in Chinese history.

Language: Chinese
Topics: HistoryYuanmingyuan

Ming and Qing History 41 The Jintian Uprising

Duration: 0:09:28

This podcast episode tells the story of the Taiping Rebellion, a peasant uprising against the Qing Dynasty that took place in the mid-19th century. The rebellion was sparked by the corruption of the Qing government and the influx of foreign powers, particularly Britain, into China. The rebellion was led by Hong Xiuquan, who founded a religious movement called the God Worshipers, which blended elements of Christianity and Confucianism and promoted equality and the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty. The rebellion quickly gained momentum, and Hong Xiuquan declared himself the Heavenly King. The Taiping rebels captured several cities, including Nanjing, and declared it the capital of their kingdom. The rebellion lasted for over a decade and resulted in the deaths of millions of people, but ultimately failed in its goal to overthrow the Qing Dynasty.

Language: Chinese
Topics: HistoryQing DynastyTaiping Rebellion