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Li HongzhangChinese dignitary
Date of Birth: 15.02.1823
Country:  China |
Content:
Biography of Li Hongzhang
Li Hongzhang, a Chinese official, was born on February 15, 1823. He was raised in the traditions of Confucianism by his parents and teacher Cheng Guofeng. Li Hongzhang began his career by suppressing the Taiping Rebellion from 1850 to 1864, during which he distinguished himself greatly. In 1867, he was appointed as the governor of Jiangsu and Anhui provinces. A year later, Hongzhang suppressed the Nian Rebellion, for which he was awarded a yellow jacket, a peacock feather, and the title of tutor to the heir apparent. In 1870, Li became the governor of the capital province of Zhili, establishing himself in the city of Tianjin.
Monopolizing Trade and Foreign Policy
In order to become one of the richest men in China, Li Hongzhang used his position to establish a monopoly on the trade of opium poppies and promoted his relatives to key positions. Despite suffering from a serious illness, by the end of the 19th century, Li effectively controlled China's foreign policy. He signed the Treaty of Shimonoseki with Japan in 1895 and the Sino-Russian Treaty of Alliance in 1896. Li Hongzhang's agreement to sign the treaty cost the Russian government three million rubles.
Legacy as a Symbol of Humiliation
On August 30, 1901, Prince Regent Qing and Li Hongzhang signed the "Final Protocol" with ambassadors from 11 countries, obligating China to pay a contribution of 450 million taels of silver over 39 years at an interest rate of 4 percent to the Western powers. As a result of these actions, Li Hongzhang's name became synonymous with humiliations during the era of unequal treaties in Chinese history.
