The Wobbling Pivot, China since 1800

This comprehensive but concise narrative of China since the eighteenth century builds its story around the delicate relationship between central government and local communities. Rejects the traditional view of China as a wholly harmonious society based on principles of stability – the Unwobbling Pivot of Ezra Pound's translation of the Chinese classic Zhongyong Provides an original interpretation, arguing that developments can be explained through an understanding of China’s surprising swings between centralization and decentralization, between local initiative and central authoritarianism Serves as an introduction to the subject, while readers with a background in Chinese history will find the book offers a personal perspective and addresses long-standing interpretive issues Supported by a variety of timelines, maps, illustrations, and extensive notes for further reading Places China’s history within the context of global change

List of Illustrations vii List of Maps viii Foreword and Acknowledgments ix Prelude xi Timeline xv 1 The Wobbling Pivot 1 2 Sources of Order Under the Qing Empire 21 3 Sources of Disorder Under the Qing Empire 44 4 Essay: Strategic Borders 66 5 Qing and the World 70 6 Essay: Rebel Heroines 98 7 Visionaries 100 8 Essay: Hunan Takes the Lead 126 9 Essay: Water 129 10 Beiyang Ascendancy 133 11 Cultural Revolution 155 12 Essay: Manchus as Minorities 177 13 War 180 14 The Ubiquitous Center 207 15 Essay: Minerals 240 16 Essay: Health Risks 243 17 Gravity 246 Bibliography 274 Index 295