Strangers at the Gate

by Wakeman, Frederic E., Jr.

• ISBN13: 9780520212398
• ISBN10: 0520212398
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-01-01
• Publisher: Univ of California Pr

Summary

Now available again, this pioneering work examines one of the most controversial periods in Chinese history: the relationship between the Chinese civil and military authorities and the British trading community in Guangdong province on the eve of the Taiping Rebellion, one the most calamitous events in Chinese history. Wakeman shows how prevailing rural discontent, urban riots, secret society activity, and the imbalance of class and clan affected the mechanisms of regional power and gentry control, demonstrating the progression of rebellion and the historical inevitability of revolution.

Table of Contents

List of Maps, Figures, and Tables	xi
Introduction	1	(10)
PART ONE SAN-YUAN-LI The Politics of Patriotism 1839-1841	11	(50)
I The San-yuan-li Incident	11	(11)
II The Militia of Kwangtung	22	(7)
III The Gentry and San-yuan-li	29	(13)
IV Traitor in Our Midst	42	(10)
V We and They	52	(9)
PART TWO STRANGERS AT THE GATE The Politics of Resistance 1842-1849	61	(48)
VI Righteous or Rebellious?	61	(10)
VII The Entry Dilemma	71	(10)
VIII Huang-chu-ch'i: Time Runs Out	81	(9)
IX The Victory of 1849	90	(19)
PART THREE REBELLION AND REACTION The Politics of Localism 1850-1856	109	(50)
X Class and Clan	109	(8)
XI The Secret Societies of South China	117	(9)
XII Kwangtung and the Taiping Rebellion	126	(6)
XIII The Circle Tightens	132	(7)
XIV The Red Turban Revolt	139	(10)
XV The Purge	149	(10)
PART FOUR CANTON CONQUERED The Politics of Collaboration 1857-1861	159	(18)
XVI The Capture of the City	159	(5)
XVII The Kwangtung Militia Bureau	164	(4)
XVIII The Resistance Movement	168	(6)
XIX Departure	174	(3)
APPENDIXES	177	(20)
NOTES	197	(28)
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY	225	(24)
GLOSSARY	249	(8)
INDEX	257