The Eight Banners system of the Qing Dynasty originated from the Jurchen hunting organization and later developed into a system integrating military, administrative and production.
During the Qing Dynasty, the Eight Banners were the foundation of the state, and the bannermen enjoyed privileges, but at the same time they also bore corresponding responsibilities.
Regarding the number of soldiers and horses in each of the eight banners, the specific number varies depending on the era and the specific situation.
However, according to historical records, we can get a general idea of the size of the soldiers and horses of each banner.
1.Yellow Flag and Yellow Flag: These two flags are the upper two flags of the eight flags, which are directly led by the emperor, so there are more soldiers and horses. Zhenghuangqi has about 30,000 soldiers and a population of about 150,000; The yellow flag is about 260,000, with a population of about 130,000. They were mainly responsible for the security of the imperial palace and the capital division, and were the Praetorian Guards of the Qing Dynasty.
2.Positive white flag and inlaid white flag: These two flags were the two main forces of the early Qing Dynasty, and they also had a large number of troops. The white flag is about 260,000, with a population of about 130,000. Inlaid with white flags about 260,000, with a population of about 130,000. They played an important role in the early Qing Dynasty's foreign conquests and expansions.
3.Positive Red Banner and Inlaid Red Flag: These two banners were the early Mongol armies that were attached to the Qing Dynasty, with about 20,000 troops each. The Red Banner is about 230,000, with a population of about 1150,000; Inlaid with red flags and horses about 260,000, with a population of about 130,000. They played an important role in the Qing Dynasty's unification of the Mongol region.
4.The Blue Banner and the Blue Banner: These two flags were the Chahar and Tumut armies that later surrendered to the Qing Dynasty, and the troops were smaller. The blue flag is about 260,000, with a population of about 130,000. Inlaid with blue flags about 270,000, with a population of about 1350,000; They were annexed during the Qing Dynasty's unification of the northern regions, and later also participated in the Qing Dynasty's foreign wars.
The role of the Eight Banners is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
1.Military role: The Eight Banners were the main military force of the Qing Dynasty, responsible for defending the country and maintaining the rule of the Qing Dynasty. The soldiers and horses of various banners played an important role in foreign conquests, quelling civil strife, and maintaining border security.
2.Political role: The Eight Banners system was an important part of the political system of the Qing Dynasty, and the banner people enjoyed political privileges and participated in state management and decision-making. At the same time, the Eight Banners were also one of the important means for the Qing Dynasty emperor to strengthen the centralization of power.
3.Economic role: Members of the Eight Banners owned land and property, participated in agricultural production and commercial activities, and contributed to the economic development of the Qing Dynasty. At the same time, the Eight Banners system also promoted economic exchanges and development between the Manchus and other ethnic groups.
4.Social role: The Eight Banners system strengthened the social and political structure of the Jurchens and laid the foundation for the establishment and unification of the Qing Dynasty. At the same time, the Eight Banners system also had a profound impact on the stability and development of Qing Dynasty society.
However, with the passage of time and the advancement of social changes, the Eight Banners system gradually declined.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, due to the invasion of Western powers and the influence of internal and external factors, the Eight Banners system gradually lost its original function and significance.
Eventually, after the Xinhai Revolution in 1912, the Qing Dynasty was overthrown and the Eight Banners system was officially abolished.