Issue and Opponent: Scholars, members of the upper classes, and business owners organized large protests in Gaoyoum, Baoying, and Huai’an China. They targeted the Qianlong emperor. After the fall of the Ming dynasty, the Qing Empire wanted to legitimize and centralize the power of the state. To do this, the Emperor built a government around Neo-Confucian orthodoxy. This religion stated the importance of the loyalty and reverence a child should show to their parents. Along with the rise of Neo-Confucianism, there was an expectation that the government would provide everything for their citizens and would lead with benevolence.
Dilemma Action: During this time, citizens expected their government to provide help in exchange for their loyalty. In 1742, protests followed the vast flooding in the region of Yangzhou which affected the cities of Gaoyou, Baoying, and Huai’an. Immediately following the flooding, local governments conducted surveys to see how much damage had occurred. The citizens in these cities thought this process was too slow. In response, the upper class and scholars began organizing protests. They called for the government to end the survey and provide disaster relief. When these requests were ignored, local business owners went on strike. Along with the strikes, people began surrounding government offices carrying pictures of their city’s god. Local city gods were symbolic in the political hierarchy; they were sanctioned by the emperor and were symbols of the highest imperial authorities.
Outcome: The action was successful since famine relief was provided. In the end, the Qianlong emperor joined in support of the protesters. The emperor was bothered by the role of the local elite and scholars. As a response, he demoted local scholars and officials overseeing education.