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History
The Opium War and the
Decline of the Qing Dynasty (1839-1900)
By 1900, the Qing Dynasty had grown weak, having been Influenced by western powers like
Britain, France and Japan. It was only a matter of time before the Chinese people called
revolution.
The Fall of the Qing
Dynasty (1900-1912)
When a rebellion against the government began in 1911, Sun Yatsen was elected president of
the new republic, and the Qing Dynasty had seen its final days.
Early Years of the Republic (1912-1928)
Even though the new government was established, China continued to be suppressed by
western powers. Two forces arose during this time that would change history--the Communist
Party and the National Party (Kuomintang). Kuomintang and Communist (1928-1937)
The Kuomintang and the Communist regime starkly contrasted each other in their ideology.
The stakes were high, for whoever won on the battle field would control China.
War against Japan and World War II (1937-1945)
War against Japan and World War II began, and despite the bloodshed, China would find
itself amidst a civil war.
Civil War (1945-1949)
The Inevitable finally took place in 1945. China's divided government could no longer bear
the strain of differences running through the core of the Kuomintang and Communist
ideology. With the help of the people, the Communists would win, and a new era would lay
ahead.
Early Years of People's Republic of China (1949-1966)
After the establishment of PRC, China went forward in its plan to create the perfect
Socialist society. Although the people welcomed Communism in the beginning, it would soon
tear their country apart once again.
Reform of Economy
(1976-1997)
After the Cultural Revolution, Deng Xiaoping returned to CCP, and began to reform China's
run down economy. He brought China back from the dead so to speak, but many human rights
issues still plagued the country.
Present
Today, China still has many problems to sort over. In 1997 Hong Kong was returned to
China. New talk of freedom is now taking place. And the 50 year anniversary of the
People's Republic of China will be celebrated in October of 1999.
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