The Wuchang uprising was an uprising that began the 1911 Chinese revolution which brought about an end to the imperial system of governance in China. It took place in Wuchang (an area of Wuhan), Hubei, China.[1]
The driving force behind it included the Wenxueshe (Literary Association) and the Gongjinhui (March Together League), both of which were associated with the revolutionary Tongmenhui group. These groups recruited their forces from the New Army of the ruling Qing dynasty.[1]
Start of the uprising
The Wuchang uprising was inspired by another armed uprising that occurred in Sichuan. The revolutionary groups of Wuhan decided to begin their uprising on October 11, but their plans were impacted by an accidental explosion of a bomb on October 9, resulting in raids from the authorities. Many revolutionary leaders were executed and the uprising plans were discovered. In response the revolutionary groups decided to start their uprising anyway, one day early on October 10. [2]
The uprising
The uprising began with forces attacking the residence of the governor-general, Ruicheng, who had ordered the execution of their leaders. The area of Wuchang was occupied by the next day, and by October 12 the other areas of Wuhan had also been occupied.[2]
The Hubei Military Government was established on October 11. Brigade commander Li Yuanhong was placed into the position of military governor, and Tang Hualong was chosen to be the Minister of Civil Affairs.[2]
Effect of the uprising
After the success of the Wuchang uprising, other insurrections and uprisings began across the whole of China. By early November, 13 provinces had declared independence from the central government.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Bai Shouyi (2008). An outline history of China: 'Chapter X; 14. The Wuchang Uprising; the Founding of the Republic of China and the Fall of the Qing Dynasty' (p. 449).
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Bai Shouyi (2008). An outline history of China: 'Chapter X; 14. The Wuchang Uprising; the Founding of the Republic of China and the Fall of the Qing Dynasty' (p. 450).