Book

The Manchu way: the eight banners and ethnic identity in late imperial China

Stanford University PressStanford, Ca • Published In 2001 • Pages:

By: Elliott, Mark C..

Abstract
In this is approach to Manchu statecraft, the author emphasizes for the importance of ethnic identity in Manchu rule. Manchu sovereignty was predicated on ethnic difference and uniqueness. However, the expense of maintaining a distinct Manchu warrior caste (the banners) became more and more costly as the dynasty wore on, both in the garrison outposts around the empire, but also in the Manchu homeland. The author examines garrison life and the decay in the martial spirit of the Manchu soldier, on which Manchu ethnic distinctiveness was based. Elliot discuses how the regime attempted to revitalize the "Manchu Way" though an ethnic cleansing of the ranks, even though Han Chinese had been part of the banner system since conquest times.
Subjects
Acculturation and culture contact
Cultural identity and pride
Real property
Ethnic stratification
Form and rules of government
Military organization
culture
Manchu
HRAF PubDate
2012
Region
Asia
Sub Region
East Asia
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Historian
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard; 2012
Field Date
no date
Coverage Date
1400-1912
Coverage Place
China
Notes
Mark C. Elliott
Portion of title: Eight banners and ethnic identity in late imperial China
Includes bibliographical references (p. 511-550) and index
LCCN
00064087
LCSH
Manchus--Ethnic identity--History--17th century
Manchus--Ethnic identity--History--18th century