Aim: Trace the Growth of Nationalism in China
An Upsurge in Chinese Nationalism Humiliated by their loss of power, many Chinese pressed for strong reforms Chinese emperor demanded change June 1898: Emperor introduced measures to modernize China Called for reorganizing China’s educational system, strengthening the economy, modernizing the military, & streamlining the government Qing officials saw these innovations as threats to their power Placed emperor under arrest & took control of government 2
The Boxer Rebellion Widespread frustration finally erupted into violence Poor peasants & workers resented the special privileges granted to foreigners Also resented Chinese Christians To demonstrate discontent, rebels formed a secret organization called the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists AKA The Boxer or Boxer Rebellion August 1900: Multinational force of 19,000 troops marched on Beijing & defeated the Boxers A strong sense of nationalism had emerged in China 3
The Beginnings of Reforms The Qing court realized that China needed to make profound changes to survive 1905: Empress sent a select group of Chinese officials on a world tour to study the operation of different countries Traveled to Japan, United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, & Italy Spring 1906: Officials recommended that China restructure its government Empress convened a national assembly within a year 1908, Court announced that it would establish a full constitutional government by 1917 China experienced unrest for next 4 decades 4