The Research On The Famine In Yanbei Area In Guangxu Period Of The Qing Dynasty

During the reign of Qing Emperor Guangxu,disasters frequently struck Shanxi Province,including severe drought lasting several years.The Yanbei region was cold and the environment was harsh.In addition,the response from government officials was inadequate to the magnitude of these disasters.The peoples use of this region's opium was widespread and there was a shortage of grain.As a result,the people were struggling on the verge of death.Records show the major natural disasters in the Yanbei region during this period include:drought,floods,hail,earthquakes,late frost,etc.occurring frequently.In the early years of the Guangxu period,the "Dingwu Qihuang" and in the 18th year of Guangxu(1892),the "biggest catastrophe",were the two major disasters that took place,causing immense societal damage.Famine has caused a large impact on the society of Yanbei region:primarily,the loss of population due to starvation.From the phenomenon of "selling wives and nieces",stealing filial piety,family members likened as a source of food,and other phenomena,the impact of famine is visible on traditional Chinese ethics and moral order.Second,the famine led to displacement of peoples and serious disruption of social productivity.Finally,the disaster gave way to riots.During the Guangxu fourth year(1878),the "Xiongliu Uprisings" in the state of Shuozhou and The Boxer Movement in the 26th year of Guangxu(1900),it can be seen that the famine has affected normal moral and legal order by which the social system is maintained.Social morals and legal concepts were abandoned,and the royal imperial court is insignificant in the minds of the people,including this brutal appearance of savageness having emerged.In the face of serious natural disasters,all sectors of society actively respond.The government has established a complete disaster relief system and has corresponding measures in terms of pre-disaster prediction,prevention,disaster relief,and post-disaster reconstruction.For a single investigation of disasters,it can be seen that the government is an important force for relief and plays an irreplaceable role in the relief process.In addition,the participation of the private sector has gradually increased.The traditional mode of self-rescue combined with the new style of"humanitarian aid" enable more charitable organizations to participate in rescue efforts.In short,the period of Emperor Guangxu of Qing Dynasty in northern Yanbei area is seriously famined,and retains a special position in history.Therefore,whether it the causes of the famine,the impact of the famine,or the actions of all sectors of society in responding to disasters,they all bear the mark of the times.It also reflects the social changes of Yanbei in modern times and provides valuable lessons for future generations.