Li Hongzhang
Li Hongzhang | |
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李鴻章 | |
Photograph by James Russell & Sons, 1896 | |
| Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Hall | |
| In office January 9, 1875 – November 7, 1901 | |
| Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall | |
| In office January 16, 1872 – January 9, 1875 | |
| Assistant Grand Secretary | |
| In office August 27, 1868 – June 22, 1872 | |
| Viceroy of Zhili and Beiyang Trade Minister | |
| In office July 8, 1900 – November 7, 1901 | |
| Preceded by | Yulu |
| Succeeded by | Yuan Shikai |
| In office August 29, 1870 – August 28, 1895 | |
| Preceded by | Zeng Guofan |
| Succeeded by | Wang Wenshao |
| Viceroy of Liangguang | |
| In office May 24, 1900 – July 9, 1900 | |
| Preceded by | Tan Zhonglin |
| Succeeded by | Tao Mo |
| Viceroy of Huguang | |
| In office February 2, 1867 – August 29, 1870 | |
| Preceded by | Guanwen |
| Succeeded by | Li Hanzhang |
| Viceroy of Liangjiang (acting) | |
| In office May 23, 1865 – October 27, 1866 | |
| Preceded by | Zeng Guofan |
| Succeeded by | Zeng Guofan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 15, 1823 |
| Died | November 7, 1901 (aged 78) |
| Spouse(s) | Lady Zhou Lady Xiaolian Lady Mo |
| Relations |
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| Education | Jinshi degree in the Imperial Examination |
| Occupation | Official, general, diplomat |
| Awards |
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| Signature | |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Qing Dynasty |
| Branch/service | Qing Army |
| Years of service | 1847–1901 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands | |
| Battles/wars | Taiping Rebellion First Sino-Japanese War |
| Li Hongzhang | |||||||||||||||||
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| Traditional Chinese | 李鴻章 | ||||||||||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 李鸿章 | ||||||||||||||||
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Li Hongzhang, Marquess Suyi (Chinese: 李鴻章; also Li Hung-chang; February 15, 1823 – November 7, 1901) was a Chinese statesman of the late Qing dynasty. He held important positions in the Qing government, including the Viceroy of Zhili, Huguang and Liangguang. He was the founder and commander of the Huai Army and the Beiyang Fleet, and a leader of the Self-Strengthening Movement.
One of the best-known Chinese figures of his time internationally, Li was the face of the Qing court in foreign affairs and was often compared to the "Oriental Bismarck." He antagonized the British by supporting Russia as a counterweight to Japanese expansion in Manchuria, and later fell out of favor domestically following China's defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War. His legacy in China remains controversial, particularly over his role in suppressing several uprisings, his diplomatic record amid Western powers, and the mixed outcomes of his industrial and military modernization efforts.