Source 8 Abdication Edict Feb 12th 1912 (Tianjin Postcard)
Dublin Core
Title
Source 8 Abdication Edict Feb 12th 1912 (Tianjin Postcard)
Subject
Abdication of Puyi and the Fall of the Qing Dynasty
Description
This is a rare postcard which disseminated the news of the inauguration of the Republic of China. The abdication edict, signed by the Empress Dowager Longyu on behalf of the child emperor Puyi reads:
“The whole country is tending towards a republican form of government. It is the Will of Heaven, and it is certain that we could not reject the people’s desire for the sake of one family’s honour and glory.
We, the Emperor, hand over the sovereignty to the people. We decide the form of government to be a constitutional republic.
In this time of transition, in order to unite the South and the North, We appoint Yuan Shikai to organise a provisional government, consulting the people’s army regarding the union of the five peoples: Manchus, Han Chinese, Mongolians, Mohammedans and Tibetans. These peoples jointly constitute the great State of Chung Hwa Ming-Kus [a republic of China].
We now retire to a peaceful life and will enjoy the respectful treatment of the nation.”
“The whole country is tending towards a republican form of government. It is the Will of Heaven, and it is certain that we could not reject the people’s desire for the sake of one family’s honour and glory.
We, the Emperor, hand over the sovereignty to the people. We decide the form of government to be a constitutional republic.
In this time of transition, in order to unite the South and the North, We appoint Yuan Shikai to organise a provisional government, consulting the people’s army regarding the union of the five peoples: Manchus, Han Chinese, Mongolians, Mohammedans and Tibetans. These peoples jointly constitute the great State of Chung Hwa Ming-Kus [a republic of China].
We now retire to a peaceful life and will enjoy the respectful treatment of the nation.”
Creator
Anon
Source
Historical Photographs of China Bristol
Publisher
https://www.hpcbristol.net/visual/gr01-001
Date
1912
Collection
Citation
Anon , “Source 8 Abdication Edict Feb 12th 1912 (Tianjin Postcard),” Chinese History for Teachers, accessed April 16, 2024, https://chinesehistoryforteachers.omeka.net/items/show/91.