Beijing in History

Captures Peking & ends the Yuan Dynasty

Commences the construction of the Temple of Heaven. Commences the construction of the Temple of Agriculture

Moves his capital to his old power base at Beijing

Repels an attempt to capture Peking by a Mongol force led by Essen Taiji

Overthrown by a coup during an illness

1st Portuguese mission at Peking

The Portuguese are expelled from Peking

Organizes the palace response that saves the Jiajing Emperor and orders action against women implicated in the assassination attempt.

Survives an attempt by palace women to strangle him with a silk cord during the Renyin Palace Plot.

Orders severe punishment after recovering from the assassination attempt; women accused of involvement are executed.

Jiajing continues ruling through ministers during the later Ming period

Jiajing continues governing through senior ministers during the late Ming reign

Lis rebel army captures Beijing, the last Ming Emperor then hangs himself

The rebel leader Li Dzucheng captures Beijing

Captures Beijing & Shenxi then proclaims himself Emperor

Hangs himself after the rebel leader Li Dzucheng captures Beijing

Beijing is recaptured & the Zicheng Dynasty comes to an end, Li is killed in battle

An Anglo-French Army occupies Beijing

British and French forces occupy Beijing

British and French forces occupy Beijing

The Treaty of Peking is signed as a result of the Second Opium War under military and diplomatic pressure of British and French troops (who were burning the Old Summer Palace at the time)

Also known as the First Convention of Peking, a Treaty between the Government of the Qing-Dynasty of China and each of the three European powers, the United Kingdom, France, and Russia

Russia is granted the right to the Ussuri krai, a part of the modern day Primorye, the territory that corresponded with the ancient Manchu province of East Tartary.

The Treaty of Peking is signed as a result of the Second Opium War under military and diplomatic pressure of British and French troops (who were burning the Old Summer Palace at the time). The peace Treaty is signed by Prince Gong & Lord Elgin.

Under the treat of Peking 11 ports are opened & part of Kowloon is ceded to Britain. Undder the Treaty of Peking parts of Outer Manchuria are ceded to the Russian Empire.

The Treaty of Peking is signed as a result of the Second Opium War under military and diplomatic pressure of British and French troops (who were burning the Old Summer Palace at the time)

Peace negotiations break down in Peking

Conservative court politics encourage hostility to foreign influence.

Boxer fighters, convinced they were invulnerable to foreign weapons, converged on Beijing with the slogan "Support Qing Government and exterminate the foreigners."

With a majority of conservatives in the imperial court, Empress Dowager Cixi changed her long standing policy of suppressing Boxers, and issued edicts in their defence, causing protests from foreign powers

The court moves toward open support for anti-foreign forces.

Warns against war with all foreign powers.

Brings Muslim troops into Beijing to oppose foreigners.

Backs the court faction favouring the Boxers.

Boxers march with the slogan, "death & destruction to the foreigner & all his works"

Foreign diplomats call on China to suppreess anti-foreigner activities of the Boxers

Foreign diplomats call on China to suppreess anti-foreigner activities of the Boxers

Urges the court not to declare war on the powers.

Opposes the court's drift toward war with foreigners.

Supports the hardline court faction during the crisis.

Commands Qing forces while restraining attacks on the legations.

Clashes were reported between Chinese factions favoring war and those favoring conciliation, the latter led by Prince Qing

The Roman Catholic Church is burnt to the ground

The railway line to Tianjin was cut by Boxers in the countryside and Beijing was isolated

His soldiers kill Japanese legation secretary Sugiyama Akira.

The first Boxer, dressed in his finery, was seen in the Legation Quarter. The German Minister, Clemens von Ketteler, and German soldiers captured a Boxer boy and inexplicably executed him. In response, thousands of Boxers burst into the walled city of Beijing that afternoon and burned many of the Christian churches and cathedrals in the city, burning some victims alive

Soldiers at the British Embassy and German Legations shot and killed several Boxers, alienating the Chinese population of the city and nudging the Qing Government toward support of the Boxers

The first Boxer, dressed in his finery, was seen in the Legation Quarter. The German Minister, Clemens von Ketteler, and German soldiers captured a Boxer boy and inexplicably executed him. In response, thousands of Boxers burst into the walled city of Beijing that afternoon and burned many of the Christian churches and cathedrals in the city, burning some victims alive

The Boxers enter Peking & destroy most of the foreign owned buildings

The Boxers enter Peking & destroy most of the foreign owned buildings

Defends the Beitang cathedral and Christian refugees.

Qing imperial forces deployed electric mines in the River Beihe (Peiho) to prevent the Eight-Nation Alliance from sending ships to attack

The event that tilted the Qing imperial Government irrevocably toward support of the Boxers and war with the foreign powers was the attack of foreign navies on the Dagu Forts near Tianji

The event that tilted the Qing imperial Government irrevocably toward support of the Boxers and war with the foreign powers was the attack of foreign navies on the Dagu Forts near Tianji

Restrains Dong Fuxiang and keeps channels open with foreign diplomats.

Kills German minister Clemens von Ketteler.

The legations of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary, Spain, Belgium, The Netherlands, the United States, Russia and Japan were located in the Beijing Legation Quarter south of the Forbidden City. The Chinese army and Boxer irregulars besieged the Legation Quarter from 20 June to 14 August 1900

His Kansu troops attack foreign positions in Beijing.

Maintains contacts useful for later peace negotiations.

Issues the imperial declaration against the foreign powers.

Backs war against the foreign powers.

In response to reports of an armed invasion to lift the siege, the initially hesitant Empress Dowager Cixi supported the Boxers and on June 21 issued an Imperial Decree declaring war on the foreign powers. Diplomats, foreign civilians and soldiers as well as Chinese Christians in the Legation Quarter were placed under siege by the Imperial Army of China and the Boxers for 55 days

Chinese officialdom was split between those supporting the Boxers and those favoring conciliation, led by Prince Qing

Chinese soldiers and Boxers set fire to areas north and west of the British Legation, using it as a "frightening tactic" to attack the defenders

An armistice is declared by the Chinese

Declines to press the siege of the foreign legations.

Limits pressure on the legations despite hardliner demands.

Is executed for opposing war with the powers.

Is executed after warning against war.

Acts as Qing negotiator with Li Hongzhang.

The Allies capture Peking & impose stricter conditions on China

The armistice, although occasionally broken, endured until 13 August when, with an allied army led by the British Alfred Gaselee approaching Beijing to relieve the siege, the Chinese launched their heaviest fusillade on the Legation Quarter. As the foreign army approached, Chinese forces melted away

The Eight-Nation Alliance, after being initially turned back, brought 20,000 armed troops to China, defeated the Imperial Army, and captured Beijing on August 14, lifting the siege of the Legations

The Eight-Nation Alliance, after being initially turned back, brought 20,000 armed troops to China, defeated the Imperial Army, and captured Beijing on August 14, lifting the siege of the Legations

Flees Beijing after allied troops enter the city.

Leaves Beijing with the imperial court.

The siege was raised when the Eight-Nation Alliance brought 20,000 armed troops to China, defeated the Imperial Army, and captured Beijing

The Boxer Protocol of 7 September 1901 provided for the execution of Government officials who had supported the Boxers, provisions for foreign troops to be stationed in Beijing, and 450 million taels of silver—more than the Government's annual tax revenue—to be paid as indemnity over the course of the next thirty-nine years to the eight nations involved

The Boxer Protocol of 7 September 1901 provided for the execution of Government officials who had supported the Boxers, provisions for foreign troops to be stationed in Beijing, and 450 million taels of silver—more than the Government's annual tax revenue—to be paid as indemnity over the course of the next thirty-nine years to the eight nations involved

A coup in Peking forces Hsun to seek refuge in the Dutch legation

Nominally restored to the throne for 12 days

Student riots in Peking

Over 3000 students of Peking University and other schools gather together in front of Tiananmen and hold a demonstration

Students join in a protest in the Tiananmen Square of Beijing against the European powers decision to grant German-controlled Shandong to Japan, and thus create a new nationalist Chinese movement ("May 4th movement"). Over 3000 students of Peking University and other schools gather together in front of Tiananmen and hold a demonstration. Demonstrations against the terms of the Treaty of Versailles

Demonstrations against the terms of the Treaty of Versailles

Under intense public outcry, the Beiyang Government has to release the arrested students and dismiss Cao Rulin, Zhang Zongxiang and Lu Zongyu from their posts

Under intense public outcry, the Beiyang Government has to release the arrested students and dismiss Cao Rulin, Zhang Zongxiang and Lu Zongyu from their posts

Under intense public outcry, the Beiyang Government has to release the arrested students and dismiss Cao Rulin, Zhang Zongxiang and Lu Zongyu from their posts

En-Lai organizes a demonstration in Beijing

Captures Peking

Nationalist forces enter Beijing, marking the military completion of the Northern Expedition.

Nationalist forces take Beijing and the city is subsequently renamed Beiping under the Nationalist government.

Opposition warlords establish a rival political center in Beiping during the Central Plains War.

Rebels take power in Peking under Yen Hsi-chan

Japanese forces capture Beiping during their rapid advance in northern China.

Japanese forces intensify attacks around Beiping as full-scale hostilities spread across northern China.

Mao's new government announces its intention to bring Tibet under People's Republic authority.

Peking surrenders to the Communists

Communist forces enter Beiping after the Nationalist garrison accepts a negotiated surrender.

Appointed Chairman of the Peoples Republic of China

Appointed Chairman of the Peoples Republic of China

Proclaims the establishment of the Peoples Republic of China

Stands at the Forbidden City & proclaims, "The Chinese people have stood up". Proclaims the establishment of the Peoples Republic of China in Tiananmen Square

Mao Zedong proclaims the People’s Republic of China in Beijing while Chiang’s Nationalist government continues retreating south.

Russia gives immediate recognition to the Peoples Republic of China

Russia gives immediate recognition to the Peoples Republic of China

Britain recognizes the Republic of China

Britain recognizes the Republic of China

Chinese and Tibetan representatives sign the Seventeen Point Agreement in Beijing.

Mao receives a telegram accepting implementation of the Seventeen Point Agreement in Tibet.

Ideoligical differences begin to appear between China & Russia

Peng Zhen tries to contain the criticism of Wu Han and protect the Beijing party apparatus

Mao supports a cultural criticism campaign that develops into the Five-Man Group led by Peng Zhen

Yao Wenyuan's criticism of Wu Han's play becomes a major opening attack in the Cultural Revolution

Qi Benyu writes attacks that help direct criticism toward Liu Shaoqi

Hu Yaobang is attacked and sidelined during the Cultural Revolution as a suspected capitalist roader

Liu Shaoqi is targeted as a capitalist roader during the Cultural Revolution

Political leaders and intellectuals are publicly humiliated as Mao calls for attacks on bourgeois influence

Lin Biao helps elevate Mao's quotations and personality cult during the early Cultural Revolution

Wang Li becomes one of the most radical propagandists inside the Cultural Revolution Group

Red Guards attack religious sites and cultural relics during the campaign against the Four Olds

The February Outline attempts to limit cultural criticism and is later attacked by Mao's allies

Chen Boda becomes head of the Central Cultural Revolution Group

Guan Feng is appointed to the Central Cultural Revolution Group

Jiang Qing becomes a powerful member of the Central Cultural Revolution Group

Jiang Qing is appointed to the Central Cultural Revolution Group and promotes radical cultural campaigns

Mao replaces the old cultural apparatus with the Central Cultural Revolution Group dominated by his allies

Qi Benyu is appointed to the Central Cultural Revolution Group

Wang Li is appointed to the Central Cultural Revolution Group

Yao Wenyuan is appointed to the Central Cultural Revolution Group

Zhang Chunqiao is appointed to the Central Cultural Revolution Group

The Five-Man Group is abolished when the May 16 Notification reverses Peng Zhen's approach

Deng Xiaoping is soon drawn into the attack on senior party leaders after the May 16 Notification

Liu Shaoqi becomes a principal target as the Cultural Revolution turns against the party establishment

Mao authorises the May 16 Notification warning that bourgeois representatives have infiltrated the party

Mao launches the Cultural Revolution through the May 16 Notification against alleged bourgeois elements in the party

Peng Zhen is purged after Mao rejects the February Outline and the Five-Man Group

Mao approves broadcasting Nie Yuanzi's poster, turning campus criticism into a national movement

People's Daily calls on the masses to sweep away monsters and demons in support of the Cultural Revolution

Mao calls on students and Red Guards to rebel against party and cultural authorities

Red Guards attack old ideas, culture, customs and habits under Mao's revolutionary slogans

Zhou Enlai orders protection for selected monuments, archives and leading figures during Red Guard violence

Zhou Enlai intervenes to protect Sun Yat-sen's widow Song Qingling from Red Guard attacks

Mao writes Bombard the Headquarters, signalling an attack on senior party leaders

Lin Biao supports the Sixteen Points decision that legitimises mass rebellion

The party adopts the Sixteen Points, defining the programme of the Cultural Revolution

Jiang Qing encourages attacks on old culture as Red Guards mobilise in Beijing

Song Binbin is linked to the Red Guard moment when Mao receives student rebels in Tiananmen Square

Lao She dies after being humiliated and beaten by Red Guards

Zhou Enlai tells the State Council that party and state organs must not surrender control to mob violence

Tao Zhu rises briefly before being attacked by Cultural Revolution radicals

Lin Biao promotes Quotations from Chairman Mao as a central symbol of loyalty

Lin Biao praises Mao's line and attacks old culture, customs and habits

Zhou Enlai presides over a rally honouring Sun Yat-sen during the political turmoil

Mao calls for educated youth to learn from workers, peasants and soldiers

Zhou Enlai tries to manage the spread of power seizures after the Shanghai January Storm

Xie Fuzhi supports radical attacks on existing public security and party structures

Mao favours replacing the Shanghai Commune with a revolutionary committee model

Li Lisan dies after persecution during the Cultural Revolution

Mao increasingly relies on the People's Liberation Army to restrain factional violence

Liu Shaoqi is placed under severe confinement as attacks on him escalate

Deng Xiaoping is removed from power and attacked as China's number two capitalist roader

Lin Biao's army gains authority as factional struggles paralyse civilian administration

Kang Sheng supports campaigns to uncover alleged class enemies inside revolutionary organisations

Zhou Enlai announces that the first stage of the Cultural Revolution has achieved victory

Zhou Enlai declares political victory while trying to restore administrative order

Mao promotes revolutionary committees combining cadres, masses and soldiers as new local governments

Zhou Enlai calls for order and discipline as factional violence disrupts government and production

Liu Shaoqi is removed from all posts and expelled from the party during the Cultural Revolution

Liu Shaoqi is expelled from the Communist Party as the main capitalist-roader target

Mao orders educated youth to go to the countryside and be re-educated by poor and lower-middle peasants

Lin Biao is confirmed as Mao's successor at the Ninth Party Congress

Mao opens the Ninth Party Congress, which declares the Cultural Revolution victorious but does not end its consequences

National Day celebrations are cancelled after the Lin Biao incident shocks the leadership

Welcomes President Nixon to Peking

Zhou Enlai works to rebuild ministries and foreign policy after the Lin Biao crisis

Deng Xiaoping is rehabilitated and returns to senior office after Cultural Revolution purges

Deng Xiaoping is restored to government work with Zhou Enlai's support and Mao's approval

Mao opens the Tenth Party Congress after the Lin Biao incident and renewed factional tensions

Jiang Qing promotes the campaign to criticise Lin Biao and Confucius

Sides with the Gang of Four against Deng Xiaoping

Sides with the Gang of Four against Deng Xiaoping

Deng Xiaoping supports Zhou Enlai's Four Modernizations programme against radical opposition

Zhou Enlai presents the Four Modernizations at the Fourth National People's Congress

Deng Xiaoping leads efforts to restore order in railways, industry and education

Zhou Enlai dies, weakening moderate forces in the final year of the Cultural Revolution

Death of Zhou Enlai

A demonstration turns into a riot & the "Gang of Four" depose Xiaoping

Mao approves Deng Xiaoping's removal from all posts after the Tiananmen Incident

Mao Zedong dies, leaving the Cultural Revolution radicals vulnerable

Death of Mao Zedong

Hua Guofeng becomes Mao's chosen successor during the final crisis of the Cultural Revolution

Hua Guofeng orders the arrest of the Gang of Four, including Mao's widow Jiang Qing

Jiang Qing is arrested with other Gang of Four leaders

Wang Hongwen is arrested with the Gang of Four after Mao's death

Yao Wenyuan is arrested as part of the Gang of Four

Zhang Chunqiao is arrested as the new leadership moves against the Cultural Revolution radicals

Jiang Qing is arrested with other Gang of Four leaders

Hua Guofeng orders the arrest of the Gang of Four, including Mao's widow Jiang Qing

Wang Hongwen is arrested with the Gang of Four after Mao's death

Yao Wenyuan is arrested as part of the Gang of Four

Zhang Chunqiao is arrested as the new leadership moves against the Cultural Revolution radicals

Deng Xiaoping engineers the "Beijing Spring" of political liberation

Appointed Vice Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party

Deng Xiaoping is restored to office after the fall of the Gang of Four and the repudiation of radical Cultural Revolution politics

Deng Xiaoping is restored to his leading posts after the Cultural Revolution radicals are defeated

Hua Guofeng presides over the Eleventh Party Congress, which declares the Cultural Revolution over

Deng Xiaoping promotes reversing chaos and correcting wrong verdicts left from the Cultural Revolution

Chen Yun supports the shift away from Cultural Revolution politics at the Third Plenum

Stops the Democracy Wall protests in Beijing

Jiang Qing receives a suspended death sentence for counter-revolutionary crimes connected to the Cultural Revolution

The party adopts a historical resolution condemning the Cultural Revolution as a grave error

Hu Yaobang leads the party as it formally reassesses Mao's errors and the Cultural Revolution

Pro-democracy demonstrations by students in Beijing

Signs a petition protesting against the curfew imposed on Beijing

Death of Deng Xiaoping

Returns to Beijing but is arrested by the security police

Appointed Mayor of Beijing

A university sit-in expresses solidarity with Tibetan demonstrators while remaining peaceful.

Tibetan students hold a peaceful solidarity sit-in at a Beijing university.

Wen Jiabao accuses supporters of the Dalai Lama of organising the violence.

Wen Jiabao defends the security response and promises restraint toward peaceful demonstrators.

Marks the seventieth anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

Chinese authorities report pneumonia cases of unknown cause in Wuhan to the World Health Organization.

China confirms human-to-human transmission of the novel coronavirus.

China imposes the national security law on Hong Kong.

China issues a twelve-point position paper on the war.