View source for Bogd Khanate of Mongolia

{{Short description|1911–1924 khanate in Outer Mongolia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox former country
| native_name            = {{MongolUnicode|ᠮᠣᠩᠭᠣᠯ|lang=mn}} {{MongolUnicode|ᠤᠯᠤᠰ|lang=mn}}<br />{{lang|mn|Монгол улс}}{{br}}''Mongol uls''
| common_name            = 
| conventional_long_name = Great Mongolian State
| government_type        = [[Unitary state|Unitary]] Buddhist<ref>{{cite book |first=Timothy Michael |last=May |title=Culture and customs of Mongolia |publisher=[[Greenwood Press]] |date=2008 |page=22}}</ref> [[absolute monarchy]]
| leader1                = [[Bogd Khan]]
| year_leader1           = 1911–1919<br/>1921–1924
| deputy1                = [[Tögs-Ochiryn Namnansüren]]
| year_deputy1           = 1912–1919 (first)<ref>{{cite web |title=Namnansüren, Tögs-Ochiryn, 1878-1919, Former Prime Minister of Mongolia (1912-1919) |url=https://eap.bl.uk/item/EAP264-1-8-2-6 |website=The Endangered Archives Programme |access-date=2022-02-02}}</ref>
| deputy2                = [[Gonchigjalzangiin Badamdorj]]
| year_deputy2           = 1919–1920 (last)
| era                    = 
| life_span              = 1911–1915<br/>1921–1924
| year_start             = 1911
| year_end               = 1924
| event_start            = [[Mongolian Revolution of 1911|1911 Revolution]]
| date_start             = 29 December
| event1                 = [[Treaty of Kyakhta (1915)|Autonomy under Chinese suzerainty and Russian influence]]
| date_event1            = 17 June 1915
| event2                 = [[Occupation of Mongolia|Autonomy revoked]]
| date_event2            = 1919–1921
| event3                 = [[Mongolian Revolution of 1921|1921 Revolution]]
| date_event3            = 1 March 1921
| event4                 = [[Soviet intervention in Mongolia|Soviet intervention]]
| date_event4            = 1921–1924
| event_end              = [[Mongolian People's Republic|MPR proclaimed]]
| date_end               = 26 November
| p1                     = Mongolia under Qing rule{{!}}{{nowrap|'''1911:'''<br/>Qing dynasty}}
| flag_p1                = Flag of the Qing Dynasty (1889-1912).svg
| p2                     = Occupation of Mongolia{{!}}{{nowrap|'''1921:'''<br/>Republic of China}}
| flag_p2                = Flag of the Republic of China (1912-1928).svg
| s1                     = Occupation of Mongolia{{!}}{{nowrap|'''1919:'''<br/>Republic of China}}
| flag_s1                = Flag of the Republic of China (1912-1928).svg
| s2                     = Mongolian People's Republic{{!}}{{nowrap|'''1924:'''<br/>Mongolian<br/>People's Republic}}
| flag_s2                = Flag of the People's Republic of Mongolia (1924-1940).svg
| border_s2              = no
| today                  = {{ubl|[[Mongolia]]|[[Russia]]}}
| image_flag             = Flag of Bogd Khaanate Mongolia.svg
| flag_caption           = [[Flag of Mongolia|Flag]]<ref name="VCM">{{Cite web |title=VCM |url=http://masterpieces.asemus.museum/stories/view.nhn?id=548 |access-date=2024-06-16 |website=Virtual Collection of Asian Masterpieces}}</ref>
| flag_border            = no
| image_coat             = Coat of arms of Mongolia (1911–24).svg
| symbol_type            = [[Emblem of Mongolia|Coat of arms]]
| coa_size               = 80px
| other_symbol           = '''[[Imperial Seal of the Mongols|Imperial seal]]'''<br/>[[File:Seal of Bogd Khan.svg|85px]]
| image_map              = Map of Mongolia (1914) Korostovets, Ilyin's Cartographic Establishment.jpg
| image_map_caption      = Outer Mongolia in 1914, shown in orange
| capital                = {{nowrap|[[Ulaanbaatar|Niislel Khüree (now Ulaanbaatar)]]}}
| status                 = {{plainlist|
*[[List of historical unrecognized states and dependencies|Limited recognised state]]{{NoteTag|Only recognized by the [[Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic|Russian SFSR]] (1921-1922), [[Soviet Union|USSR]] (1922-1924), and [[Tibet (1912–1951)|Tibet]] (a ''de-facto'' independent state)}}
*[[Autonomous state]] under the [[Republic of China (1912–1949)|Republic of China]] (1915–1919)
*[[Military occupation]] under the Republic of China (1919–1921)
}}
| national_anthem        = Зуун лангийн жороо луус<br/>{{MongolUnicode|ᠵᠠᠭᠤᠨ ᠯᠠᠩ ᠤᠨ ᠵᠢᠷᠤᠭ᠎ᠠ ᠯᠠᠭᠤᠰᠠ}}<br/>[[Zuun Langiin Joroo Luus]]<br/>''Centuries of Folk of Silver Herds''<br />{{center| }}
| common_languages       = [[Mongolian language|Mongolian]]
| religion               = [[Tibetan Buddhism]] (official), [[Tengriism]], [[Shamanism]]
| currency               = [[Tael]], [[Mongolian dollar]]
| title_leader           = [[List of Mongol rulers#Bogd Khanate|Khan]]
| title_deputy           = [[Prime Minister of Mongolia|Prime Minister]]
| legislature            = None ([[rule by decree]]) (1911–1914; 1921–1924)<br/>[[State Great Khural|State Khural]] (1914–1919)
}}
{{History of Mongolia}}

The '''Bogd Khanate of Mongolia'''{{efn|{{lang-mn|{{small|{{MongolUnicode|ᠪᠣᠭᠳᠠ|lang=mn}} {{MongolUnicode|ᠬᠠᠭᠠᠨᠲᠤ|lang=mn}} {{MongolUnicode|ᠮᠣᠩᠭᠣᠯ|lang=mn}} {{MongolUnicode|ᠤᠯᠤᠰ|lang=mn}}, Богд хаант Монгол Улс}}; {{zh|t=博克多汗國|p=Bókèduō Hán Guó}}}}}} was a ''de facto'' [[country]] in [[Outer Mongolia]] between 1911 and 1915 and again from 1921 to 1924. By the spring of 1911, some prominent Mongol nobles including Prince [[Tögs-Ochiryn Namnansüren]] persuaded the [[Bogd Khan|Jebstundamba Khutukhtu]] to convene a meeting of nobles and ecclesiastical officials to discuss independence from [[Qing dynasty|Qing China]]. On 30 November 1911 the Mongols established the Temporary Government of [[Khalkha Mongols|Khalkha]]. On 29 December 1911 the Mongols [[Mongolian Revolution of 1911|declared their independence]] from the collapsing Qing dynasty following the outbreak of the [[1911 Revolution|Xinhai Revolution]]. They installed as theocratic sovereign the 8th [[Jebtsundamba Khutuktu|Bogd Gegeen]], highest authority of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] in Mongolia, who took the title ''[[Bogd Khan]]'' or "Holy Ruler".<ref>Thomas E. Ewing, Revolution on the Chinese Frontier: Outer Mongolia in 1911, Journal of Asian History (Wiesbaden), v. 12, pp. 101–119 (1978).</ref> The Bogd Khaan was last [[khagan]] of the Mongols. This ushered in the period of "Theocratic Mongolia",<ref>Академия наук СССР ''History of the Mongolian People's Republic'', p. 232</ref> and the realm of the Bogd Khan is usually known as the "Bogd Khanate".<ref>{{cite book |first=William Elliott |last=Butler |title=The Mongolian legal system: contemporary legislation and documentation |page=255}}</ref>

Three historical currents were at work during this period. The first was the efforts of the Mongols to form an independent, theocratic state that included [[Inner Mongolia]], [[Barga Mongols|Barga]] (also known as [[Hulunbuir]]), [[Upper Mongolia]], [[Western Mongolia]] and [[Tannu Uriankhai]] ("[[pan-Mongolism]]"). The second was the [[Russian Empire|Russian Empire's]] determination to achieve the twin goals of establishing its own preeminence in the country but at the same time ensuring Outer Mongolia's autonomy within the nascent [[Republic of China (1912–1949)|Republic of China]] (ROC). The third was the ultimate success of the ROC in [[Occupation of Mongolia|eliminating Outer Mongolian autonomy]] and establishing its full sovereignty over the region from 1919 to 1921. Finally, under the influence of the [[Russian Civil War]], the Mongols expelled the [[Warlord Era|Chinese warlords]] in 1921, and Mongolia regained its independence under the leadership of the [[Communism in Mongolia|Communists]].<ref>{{cite web |title=China/Mongolia (1911-1946) |url=https://uca.edu/politicalscience/home/research-projects/dadm-project/asiapacific-region/chinamongolia-1911-1946/ |website=University of Central Arkansas |publisher=Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies |access-date=2024-02-14 |quote=Mongolian revolutionaries defeated Chinese government troops on March 17-18, 1921.  The provisional government of Mongolia requested Russian (Bolshevik) military intervention on April 10, 1921.  Russian (Bolshevik) troops entered Mongolia on July 3, 1921, and the Russian (Bolshevik) troops captured Yihe Huree (Urga) on July 6, 1921.  Baron Roman von Ungern-Sternberg was captured near Lake Gusinoe on August 22, 1921, and he was executed by the Russians (Bolsheviks) on September 15, 1921. The MPP proclaimed the independence of Mongolia on September 14, 1921, and the 60-member National Provisional Khural convened in Yihe Huree (Urga) on October 28, 1921.}}</ref>

==Name==
[[Image:Olnoo urgugdsun Mongol uls.jpg|thumb|Outer Mongolian tribes in 1910s]]
The Mongolian name used is generally "{{transliteration|mn|Olnoo Örgögdsön Mongol Uls}}" ({{lang|mn-Cyrl|[[:mn:Олноо Өргөгдсөн Монгол Улс|Олноо Өргөгдсөн Монгол Улс]]}}, State of Mongolia Elevated by the Many) or "Khaant uls" ({{lang|mn-Cyrl|хаант улс}}, [[khagan]] country).<ref>''Батсайхан О.'' 2008. Монголын суулчийн эзэн хаан VIII Богд Жавзандамба. Ulaanbaatar: Admon</ref> From 1915 to 1919, Outer Mongolia was under Chinese [[suzerainty]] and was called the "Periods of Mongolian Autonomy".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Michael |first1=K. Jerryson |title=Mongolian Buddhism: The Rise and Fall of the Sangha |date=2007 |isbn=9789749511268 |page=35 |publisher=Silkworm Books |url=https://is.muni.cz/el/phil/jaro2015/RLB392/um/jerryson_2007_4.pdf |quote=Periods of autonomy in early twentieth century Mongolia}}</ref>

==Mongolian Revolution of 1911==
{{Main|Mongolian Revolution of 1911}}

On 2 February 1913 the Bogd Khanate sent Mongolian cavalry forces to liberate [[Inner Mongolia]] from China.<ref>{{Citation |title=Таван замын байлдаан |date=2024-04-27 |work=Википедиа нэвтэрхий толь |url=https://mn.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=%D0%A2%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%BC%D1%8B%D0%BD_%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%BB%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%B0%D0%BD&oldid=775897 |access-date=2024-06-05 |language=mn}}</ref> The [[Russian Empire]] refused to sell weapons to the Bogd Khanate, and [[Emperor of Russia|Russian Tsar]] [[Nicholas II of Russia|Nicholas II]] spoke of "Mongolian imperialism". The only country to recognize Mongolia as a legitimate state was [[Tibet (1912–1951)|Tibet]], which also declared its independence from Qing China. Tibet and Mongolia later signed a [[Treaty of friendship and alliance between the Government of Mongolia and Tibet|friendship treaty]] and affirmed mutual recognition.

==Government and society==
[[File:Sharav bogd khan.jpg|left|thumb|180px|The Bogd Khaan]]
At the time, the government was still composed of a feudal Khanate, which held its system in place largely with the power of agriculture, as most traditional pastoral societies of East Asia had been. The new Mongolian state was a fusion of very different elements: Western political institutions, Mongolian theocracy, and Qing imperial administrative and political traditions. 29 December was declared to be independence day and a national holiday. Urga (modern [[Ulan Bator]]), until then known to the Mongolians as the "Great Monastery" (''Ikh khüree''), was renamed "Capital Monastery" (''Niislel khüree'') to reflect its new role as the seat of government. A state name, "Great Mongolian State" (''Ikh Mongol uls''), and a state flag were adopted. A parliament (''ulsyn khural'') was created, comprising upper and lower houses. A new Mongolian government was formed with five ministries: internal affairs, foreign affairs, finance, justice, and the army. Consequently, a national army was created.

The new state also reflected old ways; the Bogd Khaan adopted a reign title, "Elevated by the Many" (''Olnoo örgogdsön''), a style name used (it was believed) by the ancient kings of [[Tibet]]. He promoted the ruling princes and [[lama]]s by one grade, an act traditionally performed by newly installed Chinese emperors. Lay and religious princes were instructed to render their annual tribute, the "nine whites". By tradition the "nine whites" were eight white horses and one white camel. On this occasion, the "nine whites" consisted of 3,500 horses and 200 camels<ref>Ts. Nasanbaljir, ''Jibzandama khutagtyn san'' ["The treasury of the Jebtsundamba Khutukhtu"], ''Tüükhiin sudlal'' ("Historical studies"). Ulan Bator, 1970. Vol. 8, p. 150.</ref> sent to the Bogd Khaan instead of the Qing Emperor as in the past. Again, the Bogd Khaan appropriated to himself the right to confer ranks and seals of office upon the [[Mongolian nobility]].{{sfn|Ewing|1980|p=36}}

The Bogd Khaan himself was the inevitable choice as leader of the state in view of his stature as the revered symbol of [[Buddhism in Mongolia]]. He was famed throughout the country for his special oracular and supernatural powers and as the Great Khan of Mongols. He established contacts with foreign powers, tried to assist development of economy (mainly agriculture and military issues), but his main goal was development of Buddhism in Mongolia.

[[File:Ladies at court Bogd Khan. Mongolia, 1911-1924.jpg|280px|thumb|Ladies at court Bogd Khanate.]]
The new state was theocratic, and its system suited Mongols, but it was not economically efficient as the leaders were inexperienced in such matters. The Qing dynasty had been careful to check the encroachment of religion into the secular arena; that restraint was now gone. State policy was directed by religious leaders, with relatively little participation by lay nobles. The parliament had only consultative powers; in any event, it did not meet until 1914. The Office of Religion and State, an extra-governmental body headed by a lama, played a role in directing political matters.<ref>Sh. Sandag, Mongolyn uls töriin gadaad khariltsaa, 1850–1919 [Foreign relations of Mongolia, 1850–1919], (Ulan Bator, 1971), p. 284.</ref> The Ministry of Internal Affairs was vigilant in ensuring that senior ecclesiastics were treated with solemn deference by lay persons.<ref>A contemporary, "Old Jambal," in the Soviet time has supplied a fascinating description of the sordid affairs of the Bogd Khaan's court and his court. [[Tsendiin Damdinsüren]], ed., ''Övgön Jambalyn yaria'' ("Tales of Old Jambal") Ulan Bator, 1959.</ref>

The head of the Bogd Khaan's Ecclesiastical Administration (''Shav' yamen'') endeavoured to transfer as many wealthy herdsmen as he could to the ecclesiastical [[Estates of the realm|estate]] (''Ikh shav'''), resulting in the population bearing an increasingly heavy tax burden. Ten-thousand Buddha statuettes were purchased in 1912 as propitiatory offerings to restore the Bogd Khaan's eyesight.  A cast-iron statue of the Buddha, 84 feet tall, was brought from [[Dolon Nor|Dolonnor]], and a temple was constructed to house the statue. ''D. Tsedev'', pp.&nbsp;49–50.  In 1914 the Ecclesiastical Administration ordered the government to defray the costs of a particular religious ceremony in the amount of 778,000 bricks of tea (the currency of the day), a gigantic sum.<ref>Tsedev, pp. 40, 46.</ref>

<gallery caption="Ministers in the [[Bogd Khan]]'s Government">
File:Namnansuren2.jpg|Prime Minister [[Tögs-Ochiryn Namnansüren]]
File:Tserenchimed.jpg|Interior Minister [[Da Lam Tserenchimed]]
File:Ханддорж.jpg|Foreign Minister [[Mijiddorjiin Khanddorj]]
File:Г.Бадамдорж.jpg|Minister of Religion and State [[Gonchigjalzangiin Badamdorj]]
File:Манлайбаатар Дамдинсүрэн.jpg|Deputy Foreign Minister [[Manlaibaatar Damdinsüren]]
File:JalkhanzKhutagt2.jpg|Minister for the Pacification of the Western Border Areas [[Jalkhanz Khutagt Sodnomyn Damdinbazar|Sodnomyn Damdinbazar]]
</gallery>

===Administrative divisions===
Bogd Khanate was divided into four ''[[aimag]]s'' and two ''[[Krai|khyadzgaars]]'' ({{lang|mn|хязгаар}}):
* [[Zasagt Khan|Zasagt Khan ''aimag'']] ({{lang|mn|Засагт хан аймаг}})
* [[Tüsheet Khan|Tüsheet Khan ''aimag'']] ({{lang|mn|Түшээт хан аймаг}})
* [[Sechen Khan|Setsen Khan ''aimag'']] ({{lang|mn|Сэцэн хан аймаг}})
* [[Sain Noyon Khan|Sain Noyon Khan ''aimag'']] ({{lang|mn|Сайн ноён хан аймаг}})
* {{ill|Khovd khyazgaar|mn|Ховдын хязгаар|lt=Khovd ''khyazgaar''}} ({{lang|mn|Ховдын хязгаар}})
** {{ill|Dörvöd Dalai Khan aimag|mn|Дөрвөд Далай хан аймаг|lt=Dörvöd Dalai Khan ''aimag''}} ({{lang|mn|Дөрвөд Далай хан аймаг}})
** {{ill|Ünen Zorigt Khan aimag|mn|Үнэн Зоригт Хан аймаг|lt=Ünen Zorigt Khan ''aimag''}} ({{lang|mn|Үнэн Зоригт Хан аймаг}})
* [[Uryankhay Republic|Tagna Uryankhay ''khyadzgaar'']] ({{lang|mn|Тагнын Урианхайн хязгаар}}) ''[[de facto]]'' independent country, annexed by Russia in 1914.

==Diplomatic maneuvering over Mongolia==
[[File:With the Russians in Mongolia 058.png|thumb|The Russian plenipotentiary M. Korostovetz greeted on his arrival, by the Mongol princes and cabinet ministers, at [[History of Ulaanbaatar|Urga]] in September, 1912]]
[[File:With the Russians in Mongolia 196.png|thumb|Parade for first Russian-drilled Mongolian battery of artillery in the presence of the Russian plenipotentiary and the [[Noyan|Mongol princes and ministers]]]]

The new government under Bogd Khan tried to seek international recognition, particularly from the Russian government. The [[Tsar]] however, rejected the Mongolian plea for recognition, due to a common Russian Imperial ambition at the time to take over the central Asian states, and Mongolia was planned for further expansion. Throughout the Bogd Khaan era, the positions of the governments of China and Russia were clear and consistent. China was adamant that Mongolia was, and must remain, an integral part of China. The (provisional) constitution of the new Chinese republic contained an uncompromising statement to this effect. A law dealing with the election of the Chinese National Assembly provided for delegates from Outer Mongolia.<ref>Jou Kuntien, ''Bienjiang chengtse'' ("Frontier policy"). Taipei, 1962. pp. 42–43.</ref> For their part, the Russian Imperial government accepted the principle that Mongolia must remain formally part of China; however, Russia was equally determined that Mongolia possess autonomous powers so substantial as to make it quasi-independent, so they recognised the autonomy of the region. The Russian Empire could not act on the ambition due to internal struggles, which allowed Russia to claim that Mongolia was under her protection. Thus, in 1912 Russia concluded a secret convention with the [[Empire of Japan]] delineating their respective spheres of influence: South Manchuria and Inner Mongolia fell to the Japanese, North Manchuria and Outer Mongolia to the Russians. Bogd Khaan said to [[Yuan Shikai]], the President of the Republic of China "I established our own state before you, Mongols and [[Han Chinese|Chinese]] have different origins, our languages and [[writing system|script]]s are different. You're not the [[Manchu people|Manchu]]'s descendants, so how can you think China is the Manchu's [[successor state|successor]]?".<ref>''History of Mongolia'', Volume 5. Mongolian Institute of History, 2003.</ref>

In spite of Chinese and Russian opposition, the Mongols were tireless in their efforts to attract international recognition of their independence. Diplomatic notes were sent to foreign consulates in [[Hailar District|Hailar]]; none responded. A delegation went to [[Saint Petersburg]] the purpose of which, among other things, was to contact European ambassadors expressing the desire for diplomatic relations. The Russians did not permit these contacts. A later delegation to Saint Petersburg sent notes to Western ambassadors announcing Mongolia's independence and formation of a pan-Mongolian state; again none responded. The Mongols attempted to send a delegation to Japan but the Japanese consul at [[Harbin]] prevented it from proceeding further.{{sfn|Ewing|1980|pp=49–50}}

[[File:Tibet Mongolia Treaty.jpg|thumb|[[Tibet–Mongolian Friendship Treaty]]]]

While these efforts at obtaining international recognition continued, the Mongols and Russians were negotiating. At the end of 1912, Russia and the Mongols signed a treaty by which Russia acknowledged Mongol autonomy within the Republic of China; it also provided for Russian assistance in the training of a new Mongolian army and for Russian commercial privileges in Mongolia. Nevertheless, in the equivalent Mongolian version of the treaty, the terms designated independence were used. Both versions have the same value; so it was formally recognition of Mongolia as an independent state and its name Great Mongolian State.<ref>[https://www.academia.edu/12092500/%D0%9A%D1%83%D0%B7%D1%8C%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BD_%D0%A1.%D0%9B._2015._%D0%A0%D1%83%D1%81%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE-%D0%9C%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BB%D1%8C%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B5_%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%88%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5_1912_%D0%B3._%D0%B8_%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D1%8C_%D0%9C%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B8_Kuzmin_S.L._2015._Russian_Mongolian_Agreement_of_1912_and_the_Independence_of_Mongolia_ Kuzmin S.L. Russian – Mongolian Agreement of 1912 and the Independence of Mongolia. – Vestnik Moskovskogo Gorodskogo Pedagogicheskogo Universiteta, Ser. Istoricheskie Nauki, 2015, no 1, pp. 80–87]</ref> In 1913 Russia agreed to provide Mongolia with weapons and a loan of two million [[ruble]]s. In 1913, Mongolia and [[Tibet (1912–1951)|Tibet]] signed a [[Treaty of friendship and alliance between the Government of Mongolia and Tibet|bilateral treaty]], recognizing each other as independent states.

In November 1913, there was a Sino-Russian Declaration which recognised Mongolia as part of China but with internal autonomy; further, China agreed not to send troops or officials to Mongolia, or to permit colonization of the country; it was also to accept the "good offices" of Russia in Chinese-Mongolian affairs. There was to be a tripartite conference, in which Russia, China, and the "authorities" of Mongolia would participate.<ref>John V.A. MacMurray, comp., Treaties and Agreements with and concerning China, 1894–1919 (New York, 1921), v.&nbsp;2, no.&nbsp;1913/11, pp.&nbsp;1066–1067.</ref> This declaration was not considered by Mongolia to be legitimate as the Mongolian government had not participated in the decision.

To reduce tensions, the Russians agreed to provide Mongolia with more weapons and a second loan, this time three million rubles.  There were other agreements between Russia and Mongolia in these early years concerning weapons, military instructors, telegraph, and railroad that were either concluded or nearly so by the outbreak of the [[First World War]] in 1914.
In April 1914, the northern region of [[Tannu Uriankhai]] was formally accepted as a Russian [[protectorate]].<ref>Istoriya Tuvy [History of Tuva], v.&nbsp;1, pp.&nbsp;354–355.</ref>

=== Kyakhta Agreement of 1915 ===
[[File:Namnansuren and Delegates, Saint Petersburg.jpg|right|thumb|Namnansüren in delegation to St. Petersburg]]
[[File:Mongolia 1915.jpg|thumb|Mongolia in 1915]]

A tripartite conference between the Russian Empire, Republic of China and the Bogd Khaan's government convened at [[Kyakhta]] in the autumn of 1914. The Mongolian representative, Prime Minister [[Tögs-Ochiryn Namnansüren]], were determined to stretch autonomy into de facto independence, and to deny the Chinese anything more than vague, ineffectual [[suzerain]] powers.  The Chinese sought to minimize, if not to end, Mongolian autonomy.  The Russian position was somewhere in between.<ref>Chen Lu, the Chinese representative, has provided a detailed chronicle of discussions in Jishi biji [Reminiscences], (Shanghai, 1919), pp. 16–41.</ref> The result was the [[Treaty of Kyakhta (1915)|Kyakhta Treaty]] of June 1915, which recognised Mongolia's autonomy within the Chinese state. Nevertheless, Outer Mongolia remained effectively outside Chinese control<ref>Batsaikhan, O. The Last King of Mongolia, Bogdo Jebtsundamba Khutuktu. Ulaanbaatar: Admon, 2008, pp. 290–293. {{ISBN|978-9992904640}}</ref> and retained main features of the state according to international law of that time.<ref>[https://www.academia.edu/12779988/%D0%9A%D1%83%D0%B7%D1%8C%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BD_%D0%A1.%D0%9B._2015._%D0%A1%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B5_%D0%9A%D1%8F%D1%85%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%88%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F_1915_%D0%B3._%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%B6%D0%B4%D1%83_%D0%A0%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%B5%D0%B9_%D0%9C%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B5%D0%B9_%D0%B8_%D0%9A%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B5%D0%BC_Kuzmin_S.L._2015._%D0%A1entenary_of_the_Kyakhta_Agreement_of_1915_between_Russia_Mongolia_and_China_ Kuzmin, S.L. Сentenary of the Kyakhta Agreement of 1915 between Russia, Mongolia and China. – Asia and Africa Today (Moscow), 2015, no 4, pp. 60–63]</ref>

The Mongolians viewed the treaty as a disaster because it denied the recognition of a truly independent, all-Mongolian state.  China regarded the treaty in a similar fashion, consenting only because it was preoccupied with other international problems, especially Japan. The treaty did contain one significant feature which the Chinese were later to turn to their advantage; the right to appoint a high commissioner to [[Ulan Bator|Urga]] and deputy high commissioners to [[Uliastai]], [[Khovd (city)|Khovd]], and [[Kyakhta]]. This provided a senior political presence in Mongolia, which had been lacking.

==Decline of Russian influence==
[[File:Two Cossacks in Khuree.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Two [[Cossack]]s in gymnastyorka uniform, in Khüree ca. 1913.]]

In 1913, the Russian consulate in Urga began publishing a journal titled ''Shine tol''' (the New Mirror), the purpose of which was to project a positive image of Russia. Its editor, a Buryat-born scholar and statesman [[Jamsrangiin Tseveen|Ts. Zhamtsarano]], turned it into a platform for advocating political and social change. Lamas were incensed over the first issue, which denied that the world was flat; another issue severely criticized the Mongolian nobility for its exploitation of ordinary people.<ref>Korostovetz, p. 251.</ref> Medical and veterinary services, part of Russian-sponsored reforms, met resistance from the lamas as this had been their prerogative. Mongols regarded as annoying the efforts of the Russians to oversee use of the second loan (the Russians believed the first had been profligately spent) and to reform the state budgetary system.<ref>Korostovetz, p. 286.</ref> The Russian diplomat Alexander Miller, appointed in 1913, proved to be a poor choice as he had little respect for most Mongolian officials, whom he regarded as incompetent in the extreme.{{sfn|Ewing|1980|p=81}} The chief Russian military instructor successfully organized a Mongolian military brigade. Soldiers from this brigade manifested themselves later on in combat against Chinese troops.

The outbreak of the [[World War I]] in 1914 required Russia to redirect its energies to Europe. By the middle of 1915, the Russian military position had deteriorated so badly that the Russian government had no choice but to neglect its Asian interests. China soon took advantage of the Russian distractions which increased dramatically following the [[October Revolution|Bolshevik revolution]] in 1917.

== Chinese attempts to reintegrate Mongolia ==
[[File:YuanShikaiPresidente1915.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Yuan Shikai]], the President of the Republic of China]]

In December 1915, [[Yuan Shikai]], the President of the Republic of China, sent gifts to the Bogd Khaan and his wife. In return, the Bogd Khaan dispatched a delegation of 30 persons to Beijing with gifts for Yuan: four white horses and two camels (his wife Ekh Dagina sent four black horses and two camels).  The delegation was received by Yuan Shikai himself, now proclaimed ruler of a [[Empire of China (1915–1916)|restored Empire of China]].<ref>Bügd nairamdakh Mongol ard ulsyn tüükh [History of the Monglian People's Republic], (Ulan Bator, 1966–69), v.&nbsp;2, pp.&nbsp;536–537.</ref> The delegation met Yuan Shikai on 10 February 1916.<ref>Badarchi, O.S. and Dugarsuren, Sh.N. Bogd khaany amdrallyn on daraalyn tovchoon. Ulaanbaatar: Khadyn san, 2000, p.&nbsp;125.</ref> In China this was interpreted in the context of the traditional [[Tribute|tributary system]], when all missions with gifts to Chinese rulers were considered as signs of submission. In this regard, Chinese sources stated that a year later, the Bogd Khaan agreed to participate in an investiture ceremony – a formal Qing ritual by which frontier nobles received the patent and seal of imperial appointment to office; Yuan awarded him China's highest decoration of merit; lesser but significant decorations were awarded to other senior Mongolian princes.<ref>Chen Chungzu, Wai mengu jinshi shi [The modern history of Outer Mongolia], (Shanghai, 1926; repr. Taipei, 1965), bien 2, p. 69.</ref> Actually, after the conclusion of the Kyakhta agreement in 1914, Yuan Shikai sent a telegram to the Bogd Khaan informing him that he was bestowed a title of "Bogd Jevzundamba Khutuktu Khaan of Outer Mongolia" and would be provided with a golden seal and a golden diploma. The Bogd Khaan responded: "''Since the title of Bogd [[Jebtsundamba Khutuktu|Jevzundamba Khutuktu]] Khaan of Outer Mongolia was already bestowed by the Ikh Juntan, there was no need to bestow it again and that since there was no provision on the golden seal and golden diploma in the tripartite agreement, his government was not in a position to receive them''".<ref>Batsaikhan, O. ''The Last King of Mongolia, Bogdo Jebtsundamba Khutuktu''. Ulaanbaatar: Admon, 2008, pp. 293 – {{ISBN|978-99929-0-464-0}}</ref> The Bogd Khaan had already been granted said golden seal, title and diploma by the Qing dynasty.

==Revolution and civil war in Russia==
The [[Bolshevik revolution]] in 1917 and the resultant outbreak of [[Russian Civil War|civil war in Russia]] provided new opportunities for China to move into Mongolia. The Bolsheviks established [[Soviet (council)|workers' councils]] in [[Siberia]], a process essentially completed by the summer of 1918. The presence of the Bolsheviks so close to the Mongolian border unsettled both the Mongolians and the Chinese High Commissioner, Chen Yi.  Rumours were rife of Bolshevik troops preparing to invade Mongolia.  The [[Cossack]] consular guards at Urga, Uliastai, and Khovd, traditionally loyal to the Imperial [[House of Romanov]], had mutinied and left.  The Russian communities in Mongolia were themselves becoming fractious, some openly supporting the new Bolshevik regime.<ref>Burdukov, pp.&nbsp;151,&nbsp;393.</ref> The pretext was the penetration of the [[White movement|White Russia]]n troops from Siberia.<ref>Kuzmin, S.L. 2011. The History of Baron Ungern. An Experience of Reconstruction. Moscow: KMK Sci. Press, {{ISBN|978-5-87317-692-2}}, p.&nbsp;128.</ref> Chen Yi sent telegrams to Beijing requesting troops and, after several efforts, was able to persuade the Bogd Khaan's government to agree to the introduction of one battalion. By July 1918, the Soviet threat from Siberia had faded and the Mongolian foreign minister told Chen Yi that troops were no longer needed. Nevertheless, the Chinese battalion continued to move and in August arrived to Urga.

[[File:Ataman semenov.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Grigory Mikhaylovich Semyonov|Grigory Semyonov]]]]

Anti-Bolshevik forces in Asia were fragmented into a number of regiments. One was led by the [[Ataman|Supreme Commander]] of the [[Baikal Cossacks]], [[Grigory Mikhaylovich Semyonov|Grigory Semyonov]], who had assembled a detachment of [[Buryats]] and Inner Mongolian nationalists for the creation of a [[Pan-Mongolism|pan-Mongolian state]]. Semyonov and his allies made several unsuccessful efforts to encourage the Bogd Khaan's government to join it. The Khalkha people regarded themselves as the natural leaders of all Mongols and feared being submerged into a new political system that likely would be led by Buryats, whom the Khalkhas deeply mistrusted.<ref>B. Shirendyb, Mongolia na rubezhe XIX–XX vekov [Mongolia on the eve of the 19th and 20th centuries], (Ulan Bator, 1963), pp.&nbsp;173–74.</ref> When inducements failed, Semyonov threatened to invade Mongolia to force compliance.<ref>Zhung-O guanxi shiliao: Wai menggu [Historical sources on Chinese-Russian relations:  Outer Mongolia], (Taipei, 1959),, no. 159, p. 415.</ref>

The Bogd Khaanate was in a difficult position. On the one hand, it lacked the strength to repel a pan-Mongolist attack; on the other, they were profoundly disquieted by the thought of more Chinese troops in Mongolia. The first detachment of Chinese troops arrived to Urga in July 1919. Prince N.A Kudashev, the old Imperial Russian ambassador to Beijing, indicated a violation of the Kyakhta Agreement by China.<ref name="Kuzmin, S.L 2011">Kuzmin, S.L. 2011. The History of Baron Ungern. An Experience of Reconstruction. Moscow: KMK Sci. Press, {{ISBN|978-5-87317-692-2}}, p. 134</ref> This step in conflict with the Kyakhta agreement was considered by the Chinese as the first step toward Chinese sovereignty over Mongolia.{{sfn|Ewing|1980|p=118}} In any event, the threatened pan-Mongolian invasion never materialized because of dissension between the Buryats and Inner Mongolians, and Semyonov's dream of a pan-Mongolian state died.<ref>Ewing, Russia, China, p. 407.</ref>

==Abolition of Mongolian autonomy==
{{Main|Occupation of Mongolia}} 
On 4 August 1919, an assembly of princes took place in Urga to discuss Semyonov's invitation to join the pan-Mongolian movement; this was because Khalkhas were threatened by a pan-Mongolist group of one Mongolian and two Buryat regiments advancing from Dauria.<ref name="Kuzmin, S.L 2011"/> While that military campaign failed, China continued to increase troop numbers in Mongolia. On 13 August 1919 Commissioner Chen Yi received a message from "representatives of the four [[Aimags of Mongolia|aimags]]", requesting that China come to Mongolia's aid against Semyonov; it also expressed the desire of the Khalkha nobility to restore the previous Qing system. Among other things, they proposed that the five ministries of the Mongolian government be placed under the direct supervision of the Chinese high commission rather than the Bogd Khaan.<ref>Zhung-O, no. 253, 461–461.</ref> According to an Associated Press dispatch, some Mongol chieftains signed a petition asking China to retake administration of Mongolia and end Outer Mongolia's autonomy.<ref>{{cite news |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=31 October 1919 |title=Outer Mongolia, Tired of Autonomy, Asks China to Pay Her Princes and Take Her Back. |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9C04E3DB1138EE32A25752C3A9669D946896D6CF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031105903/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1919/10/31/118174410.pdf |archive-date=2018-10-31 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |location=Peking}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Northern Eurasia 1918: End of the Great War |url=https://omniatlas.com/maps/northern-eurasia/19181101/ |website=Omniatlas}}</ref>

Pressure from Chen Yi on Mongolian princes followed; representatives of the Bogd Khaan also participated in negotiations. Eventually, the princes agreed on a long list of principles, sixty-four points "''On respecting of Outer Mongolia by the government of China and improvement of her position in future after self-abolishing of authonomy''". This document offered the replacement of the Mongolian government with Chinese officials, the introduction of Chinese garrisons and keeping of feudal titles. According to ambassador Kudashev, the majority of princes supported the abolition of autonomy. The Bogd Khaan sent a delegation to the President of China with a letter complaining that the plan to abolish autonomy was a contrivance of the High Commissioner alone and not the wish of the people of Mongolia. On 28 October 1919, the [[National Assembly of the Republic of China|Chinese National Assembly]] approved the articles. President [[Xu Shichang]] sent a conciliatory letter to the Bogd Khaan, pledging respect for Mongolian feelings and reverence for the Jebtsundamba Khututktu and the Buddhist faith.<ref>Thomas E. Ewing, Russia, China, and the Origins of the Mongolian People's Republic, 1911–1921:  A Reappraisal, The Slavonic and East European Review (London), v. 58, pp. 407–408 (1980).</ref><ref name=Major>{{cite book |title=The land and people of Mongolia |first=John S. |last=Major |year=1990 |publisher=[[Harper & Row]] |page=[https://archive.org/details/landpeopleofmong00majo/page/119 119] |isbn=978-0-397-32386-9 |quote=in 1919, a Japanese influenced faction in the Chinese government mounted an invasion of Outer Mongolia and forced its leaders to sign a "request" to be taken over by the government of China. Japan's aim was to protect its own economic, political, and military interests in North China be keeping the Russian Revolution from influencing Mongolia. |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/landpeopleofmong00majo/page/119}}</ref>

[[File:Xu Shuzheng2.jpg|left|thumb|150px|General [[Xu Shuzheng]]]]

A few months earlier the Chinese government had appointed as new Northwest Frontier Commissioner [[Xu Shuzheng]], an influential warlord and prominent member of the pro-Japanese [[Anhui clique]] in the Chinese National Assembly. Xu had a vision for Mongolia very different from that reflected in the Sixty-four points. It presented a vast plan for reconstruction. Arriving with a military escort in Urga on 29 October, he informed the Mongolians that the Sixty-four points would need to be renegotiated. He submitted a much tougher set of conditions, the "Eight Articles," calling for the express declaration of Chinese sovereignty over Mongolia, an increase in Mongolia's population (presumably through Chinese colonization), and the promotion of commerce, industry, and agriculture.<ref>Ts. Puntsagnorov, Mongolyn avtonomit üyeiin tüükh [History of Mongolia in the autonomous period], (Ulan Bator, 1955), p. 205.</ref> The Mongols resisted, prompting Xu to threaten to deport the Bogd Khaan to China if he did not immediately agree to the conditions.<ref>Zhung-O, no. 420, p. 593.</ref> To emphasize the point, Xu placed troops in front of the Bogd Khaan's palace.<ref>D. Gongor, Ts. Dolgorsüren, eds., D. Sükhbaataaryn tukhai durdatgaluud [Memories of D. Sukhbaatar], (Ulan Bator, 1965), p. 71.</ref> The Japanese were the ones who ordered these pro-Japanese Chinese warlords to occupy Mongolia to halt a possibly revolutionary spillover from the Russian revolutionaries into Mongolia and Northern China.<ref name=Major/> After the Chinese completed the occupation, the Japanese then abandoned them and left them on their own.

The Eight Articles were placed before the Mongolian Parliament on 15 November. The upper house accepted the Articles; the lower house did not, with some members calling for armed resistance, if necessary. The Buddhist monks resisted most of all, but the nobles of the upper house prevailed.<ref>L. Bat-Ochir, D.  Dashjamts, Damdiny Sukhe-Bator. Biografiya [Biography of Damdin Sukhbaatar], (Moscow, 1971), pp. 31–32.</ref> A petition to end autonomy, signed by the ministers and deputy ministers of the Bogd Khaan's government, was presented to Xu.<ref>Chen Chungzu, pien 3, pp. 5–7.</ref> The Bogd Khaan refused to affix his seal until compelled by the fact that new Prime Minister [[Gonchigjalzangiin Badamdorj]], installed by order of Xu Shuzheng, and conservative forces were accepting the Chinese demands. The office of the high commission was abolished, and Chen Yi was recalled. Xu's success was broadly celebrated in China. 1 January and the following days were declared holidays and all governmental institutions in Beijing and in the provinces were closed.

Xu Shuzheng returned to Mongolia in December for the Bogd Khaan's "investiture", which took place on 1 January 1920. It was an elaborate ceremony:  Chinese soldiers lined both sides of the road to the palace; the portrait of the President of China was borne on a palanquin, followed by the national flag of China and a marching band of cymbals and drums. Mongols were obliged to prostrate themselves before these emblems of Chinese sovereignty.<ref>Xu Daolin, Xu shuzheng hsien-sheng wenji nienpu hokan [The life of Mr. Xu Shuzheng], (Taipei, 1962), p. 261.</ref> That night herdsmen and lamas gathered outside the palace and angrily tore down the flags of the Chinese Republic hanging from the gate.<ref>Bat-Ochir, Dashjamts, p. 34.</ref>

Xu moved immediately to implement the Eight Articles. The doors of the former Mongolian ministries were locked, and Chinese sentries posted in front.  A new government of eight departments was formed. The Mongolian army was demobilized, its arsenal seized, and both lay and religious officials banned from using the words "Mongolian state" (Mongol uls) in their official correspondence.<ref>Bügd nairamdakh Mongol ard ulsyn tüükh [History of the Monglian People's Republic], (Ulan Bator, 1966–69), v. 3, p. 65.</ref>

The Tusiyetu Khan Aimak's Prince Darchin Ch'in Wang was a supporter of Chinese rule while his younger brother Tsewang was a supporter of Ungern-Sternberg.<ref name="LattimoreNachukdorji">{{cite book |first1=Owen |last1=Lattimore |first2=Sh |last2=Nachukdorji |title=Nationalism and Revolution in Mongolia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=28wUAAAAIAAJ&q=bogda+khan&pg=PA171 |publisher=[[Brill Publishers|Brill Archive]] |pages=171– |id=GGKEY:4D2GY636WK5 |year=1955}}</ref>

==Conclusion==
[[File:Flag of Bogd Khaant Mongolia.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Flag of Mongolia, preserved in the [[National Museum of Mongolia]]<ref name="VCM" />]]
The late Qing government had embarked on a grand plan, the "[[New Policies]]", aimed at greater integration of Mongolia with the rest of China and opened [[Han Chinese|Han]] colonization and agricultural settlement. Many Mongols considered this act as a violation of the old agreements when they recognized authority of the Manchu dynasty, particularly the preservation of traditional social order on Mongol lands, and thus began to seek independence. The collapse of the Qing dynasty in 1911, conducted under the nationalistic catchwords of the Han Chinese, led to the formation of the [[Republic of China (1912–49)|Republic of China]]; later the initial concept was called "[[Five Races Under One Union]]".<ref>Esherick J.W. 2006. How the Qing became China. – В кн.: Empire to Nation. Historical Perspectives on the Making of the Modern World (eds. J.W. Esherick, H. Kayali, E. van Young). Lanham, Maryland, pp. 240–255</ref> The newly founded Chinese state laid claim to all imperial territory, including Mongolia. Mongolian officials were clear that their subordination was to the Qing monarch and thus owed no allegiance to the new Chinese republic. While some Inner Mongols showed willingness to join the Republic of China, Outer Mongols, together with part of Inner Mongolia, declared independence from China. The Russian-Mongolian Agreement of 1912 was the first international agreement of new Mongolia. In terms of content, method of elaboration and conclusion, it was a document on the recognition of an independent state. By signing it Russia recognized Mongolia's Russia recognized Mongolia's negotiability and international legal personality. The tripartite 1915 Agreement, which replaced the 1912 Agreement, incorporated important provisions of the latter. According to the vew of the Russian Foreign Ministry, this Agreement recognized the statehood of Mongolia and her autonomy under purely formal suzerainty of China.<ref>[https://www.academia.edu/106960698/Kuzmin_S_L_2023_International_status_of_Mongolia_before_and_after_the_Russo_Mongolian_Agreement_of_1912_ Kuzmin S.L. International status of Mongolia before and after the Russo-Mongolian Agreement of 1912. – In: Монголын тусгаар тогтнол ба Монгол Оросын 1912 оны гэрээ. Улаанбаатар, 2023, pp. 36–46]</ref> The Outer Mongols were helped by the [[White movement|White Russian]] troops of [[Roman Ungern von Sternberg|Baron R.F. von Ungern-Sternberg]] incursions following the Russian Revolution of 1917.<ref>See also Thomas E. Ewing, ''Ch'ing Policies in Outer Mongolia 1900–1911'', Modern Asian Studies, pp.  145–157 (1980).</ref><ref>Kuzmin, S.L. 2011. The History of Baron Ungern. An Experience of Reconstruction. Moscow: KMK Sci. Press, {{ISBN|978-5-87317-692-2}}, pp.&nbsp;120–199.</ref> The abolition of Mongolian autonomy by Xu Shuzheng in 1919 reawakened the Mongolian national independence movement. Two small resistance groups formed, later to become the Mongolian People's Party (renamed the [[Mongolian People's Party|Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party]]), which sought independence and Soviet cooperation.

It was proposed that [[Zhang Zuolin]]'s domain (the Chinese "[[Manchuria|Three Eastern Provinces]]") take Outer Mongolia under its administration by the Bogda Khan and Bodo in 1922 after pro-Soviet Mongolian Communists seized control of Outer Mongolia.<ref name="LattimoreNachukdorji" />

== See also ==
*[[Mongolia under Qing rule]]
*[[Occupation of Mongolia]]
*[[Mongolian Revolution of 1921]]
*[[Mongolian People's Republic]]

== Notes ==
{{NoteFoot}}
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last=Ewing |first=Thomas E. |title=Between the Hammer and the Anvil. Chinese and Russian Policies in Outer Mongolia, 1911–1921 |location=Bloomington, IN |date=1980}}
{{refend}}

{{Clear}}
{{Mongolia topics}}

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