The Last Eighteen Years of the Late Qing Dynasty

From the Sino-Japanese War of 1894 to the Eight-Nation Allied Forces' invasion of China, and then to the Russo-Japanese War, in the book, I saw the treacherous history and an era of weakness and disastrous defeat. The real characters in the book have predicted everything that happened in that era. They will eventually become history and become an indelible mark in Chinese history. Finally, the rolling wheels kept moving forward. The fall of the Qing Dynasty and the outbreak of the Revolution of 1911 finally cleared the clouds and ushered in a new era and light. —Read it on September 3, 2025

This is one of the best books about history that I have ever read. After reading it, I was deeply moved. History is a long river, and magnificent things are happening every minute and second. But for us, the most important thing is just the present, at this moment.

The writing is good, the story is wonderful, and the tension is exciting. It solves the doubts about the textbook when I was studying in middle school. This book is very popular, even if it is told to children, it will not be boring, and the combination of narrative and discussion is still very reasonable.

How should I put it? The late Qing Dynasty described by the author is very different from the late Qing Dynasty told us by history textbooks. However, through this book, I can understand that period of history more deeply. Because history has always been multifaceted, when we look at history, we cannot stay in a certain stereotype.

After reading this book, people are reminded of that period of humiliating history. We should learn from history and continue to grow. Thanks to the strength of the motherland, if you fall behind you will be beaten! Only when a nation becomes strong can a country be prosperous and strong. A weak country has no diplomacy. We need a continuously strong motherland at all times, otherwise all diplomacy will be the diplomacy of a weak country without any say!

The four books start with Yuan Yuan and end with Yuan Yuan. The author's thinking and entry points are very profound. Yuan's helplessness is a helplessness that Chinese people of that era can deeply sympathize with after 100 years. I really like the author's description of the final chapter.

I used to think that history books were very boring, but this book completely changed my mind! The last eighteen years of the late Qing Dynasty were simply more ruthless than a palace drama - big shots were vying for power, reforms became a cover for factional fighting, the Sino-Japanese War of 1895-1991 was a disastrous defeat, and the Revolution of 1911 was shocking every step of the way. The author breaks down the complex political strategies in plain language, which made me slap my thighs: It turns out that internal fighting can really destroy a country, and falling behind is destined to be beaten! This history of blood and tears is like a mirror, reflecting the value of unity and self-reliance. Every Chinese should read it!

The Qing Dynasty was closed to the outside world, condescending to the outside world, and lacked autonomy, which eventually led to the decline of its national power. The decline of the Qing Dynasty seems to be a historical necessity. It is sad to read and full of emotions.

This book made me get to know many people and things again. Li Hongzhang, Cixi, Guangxu, Kang Youwei... All kinds of experiences, processes and hardships... Reading this book has been a baptism for my heart and cognition, making me realize the cruel history.

Behind the few words in the history books, there are such twists and turns and bizarre stories of events and characters. I feel more and more that history requires careful reading to understand all kinds of human affairs, accidents, social situations, the development of things, and the evolution of laws... There is really too much to understand.