Administrative Restructuring and State Consolidation in Sichuan and the Tri-Province Border Region during the Early Qing Dynasty, 1644–1735

Abstract

This study investigates the transformations in Sichuan’s administrative divisions from 1644 to 1735, focusing on the interplay between demographic shifts and political turmoil. By examining historical records from Qing central government documents, local archives, and other primary sources, the study establishes that fluctuations in population directly influenced the number of county-level administrative divisions. When the population declined, administrative units were abolished or merged; conversely, population growth led to the reinstatement or establishment of new divisions. Additionally, political unrest, particularly in border areas, necessitated adjustments to provincial boundaries between Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou. These adjustments not only reflected demographic and political realities but also served the Qing central government’s broader aim of consolidating power. The findings offer insights into the historical foundations of Sichuan’s current administrative structure and propose strategies for managing contemporary demographic and political dynamics.