Monarchy of China


China was a monarchy since prehistoric times up to 1912 CE when the Xinhai Revolution overthrew the Qing dynasty in favor of the Republic of China. The succession of mythological monarchs of China were non-hereditary. Dynastic rule began in circa 2070 BCE when Yu the Great established the Xia dynasty, and lasted until 1912 CE when dynastic rule collapsed together with the monarchical system.
The defunct monarchy of China took the form of absolute monarchy, even though the actual power of the ruler was dependent upon his/her ability to consolidate the rule. During periods of political disunity, China was under the rule of competing dynasties, each ruling a part of China and claiming exclusive Chinese politico-cultural orthodoxy; in such cases, more than one Chinese monarchy existed simultaneously. Throughout history, the Chinese monarchy came to be ruled by dynasties of both ethnic Han and non-Han origins.

Domains of the Chinese monarchy

While the Chinese monarchy was originally established along the Yellow River and Yangtze River in China proper, various Chinese dynasties expanded beyond the region to encompass other domains.
At various points in time, the Chinese monarchy exercised control over China proper, Taiwan, Manchuria, Sakhalin, Mongolia, Vietnam, Tibet, Xinjiang, as well as parts of Central Asia, the Korean Peninsula, and Siberia.
Apart from exerting direct control over the Chinese realm, the Chinese monarchy also maintained hegemony through the Chinese tributary system.

Monarchism in China

After the success of the Xinhai Revolution, there were various attempts at re-establishing the Chinese monarchy.

Empire of China

In 1915 CE, Yuan Shikai proclaimed the Empire of China. It soon sparked the National Protection War and the empire was abolished after three months.

Manchu Restoration

In 1917 CE, the Qing loyalist Zhang Xun reinstalled Puyi to the Chinese throne. This attempt at restoring the Qing dynasty, known as the Manchu Restoration, lasted only 12 days.

Manchukuo

The Japanese puppet state Manchukuo was established in Northeast China in 1932 CE. This regime subsequently became a monarchy with Puyi as the emperor in 1934 CE. Manchukuo collapsed in 1945 CE following the unconditional surrender of Japan.

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