Ching Shih's origins remain a mystery to historians today, the first time she appears is in 1801 at the age of 26. Her true name has never been recovered and she is only known by her "stage name" (so to speak) Ching Shih which translates to wife of Zheng. Nonetheless, her first appearance in history was in 1801 in one of the famous floating brothels of Canton. Captured by Zheng Yi, she made a deal with him: she would marry him if she had 1/2 of his riches and one fleet, and thus begun one of the greatest pirate partnerships ever. She gained the respect of both her husband and her men; following her shrewd advice Zheng was able to build upon his already large fleet. Unfortunately for him, he was killed in a typhoon. Ching Shih swiftly made an alliance with Chang Pao, Zheng's second in command, giving her absolute command of the fleet ad him executive officer. At some point the two married although timing is disputed by historians.
Although, Ching's fleet was already the most powerful pirating fleet known to China, she continued to build it, levied taxes, and ultimately lead a subculture as if it was it's own country. The Chinese government attempted many times to stop her, but between her military strategy and the overall size of her fleet, she was able to defeat anything they sent her way. Any men lost during battle were quickly replaced by Chinese soldiers who had the choice of being beaten to death or joining the ranks.
Ching Shih had extremely tough rules on her ships, "Ching Shih realized that in order to maintain control she had to establish strict discipline lest the men believe that a female commander could be defied with impunity. She therefore imposed a code of behavior far more severe than the pirate “articles” common in the Spanish Main: disobedience, theft, desertion, dereliction of duty, cowardice and rape of female prisoners were all punishable by beheading." (The Honest Courtesan) These punishments varied but generally ended with some sort of painful death.
Nonetheless, the government sent fleet after fleet, chasing down the pirates and battling, to no avail. They asked for and recieved help from the British and Portuguese governments, but Ching Shih still won out. Finally, the government gave in and announced amnesty to all pirates willing to turn in their guns and ships: Ching took her chance. Arriving unannounced at the Governor-general's home and negotiated a deal for herself and her lover/husband Chang Pao.
At the age of 35 she retired from piracy and opened a very successful brothel/casino which she ran until her peaceful death at the age of 69, survived by one known son.
Although, Ching's fleet was already the most powerful pirating fleet known to China, she continued to build it, levied taxes, and ultimately lead a subculture as if it was it's own country. The Chinese government attempted many times to stop her, but between her military strategy and the overall size of her fleet, she was able to defeat anything they sent her way. Any men lost during battle were quickly replaced by Chinese soldiers who had the choice of being beaten to death or joining the ranks.
Ching Shih had extremely tough rules on her ships, "Ching Shih realized that in order to maintain control she had to establish strict discipline lest the men believe that a female commander could be defied with impunity. She therefore imposed a code of behavior far more severe than the pirate “articles” common in the Spanish Main: disobedience, theft, desertion, dereliction of duty, cowardice and rape of female prisoners were all punishable by beheading." (The Honest Courtesan) These punishments varied but generally ended with some sort of painful death.
Nonetheless, the government sent fleet after fleet, chasing down the pirates and battling, to no avail. They asked for and recieved help from the British and Portuguese governments, but Ching Shih still won out. Finally, the government gave in and announced amnesty to all pirates willing to turn in their guns and ships: Ching took her chance. Arriving unannounced at the Governor-general's home and negotiated a deal for herself and her lover/husband Chang Pao.
At the age of 35 she retired from piracy and opened a very successful brothel/casino which she ran until her peaceful death at the age of 69, survived by one known son.
Long term effects:
Although there are very few significant long term affects, Ching Shih has made an impact on the feminist movement and, in my opinion, most people who hear her story. Recently news was released of a new film with Ching Shih as the main character. There have also been interpretations of her in many pop culture things such as Pirates of the Caribbean.
Short term effects:
Ching Shih not only overpowered the Chinese government, but also defeated outsiders. Naturally this put pressure on the Chinese and I believe that said pressure may have added to the deterioration of imperialism, the White Lotus Uprising and overall social decay.
Although there are very few significant long term affects, Ching Shih has made an impact on the feminist movement and, in my opinion, most people who hear her story. Recently news was released of a new film with Ching Shih as the main character. There have also been interpretations of her in many pop culture things such as Pirates of the Caribbean.
Short term effects:
Ching Shih not only overpowered the Chinese government, but also defeated outsiders. Naturally this put pressure on the Chinese and I believe that said pressure may have added to the deterioration of imperialism, the White Lotus Uprising and overall social decay.