How did it affect the decline of the qing dynasty?
The Sino-French war had a massive impact on the decline of the Qing Dynasty. The ruler at the time, Empress Dowager Cixi, had ordered for big steam boats to be built to help in the war. They ended up just sitting back in China because they were to expensive to waste. This incompetent leadership lead to the demise of the Navy. This meant the Empress had less control over the Chinese. The war strengthened the nationalist movement in China. This was a severe step in the Qing Dynasties decline. The Mandate of Heaven was in serious trouble after the war.