China Resist Outside Influences Section 12-1

China Resists Outside Influence China and the West Rejecting Western Goods In 1793, China rejects gifts brought by British ambassador China is strong politically because it is largely self- sufficient agriculture, mining, manufacturing sectors highly productive The Tea-Opium Connection Guangzhou, southern port, is only port open to foreign trade China earns more from its exports than it spends on imports so the British need a product that they can sell to the Chinese British smuggle opium (late 1700s); many Chinese become addicted

continued China and the West War Breaks Out In 1839, the Opium War erupts—a conflict caused by Britain’s refusal to stop the opium trade in China China loses the war to a more modern British navy Treaty of Nanjing (1842) gives the British control of Hong Kong which is one of the busiest most profitable ports in the region. In 1844, other nations win extraterritorial rights – follow your nation’s laws and not the laws in China. Rights mean foreigners exempt from laws at Guangzhou and other ports

Growing Internal Problems Population Problems China’s population booms from 1790 to 1850 but… Crop yields do not grow enough to keep up with the population boom, producing widespread hunger, unrest The Taiping Rebellion In late 1830s, Hong Xiuquan (a peasant) recruits followers to build a “Heavenly Kingdom of Great Peace” where all share China’s wealth Taiping Rebellion —a movement to create a new China where people share everything and get along with one another In 1850s, Hong’s army grows large (1 mill. Strong), captures large areas in southeast (Nanjing as Capital). Hong withdraws from everyday life. His family and lieutenants take over. By 1864, rebellion was defeated by internal fighting and outside attack (from the British and French).

Foreign Influence Grows Resistance to Change The Taiping Rebellion and pressure from foreign countries put tremendous pressure on the Qing gov’t. Empress Cixi rules for most of the later half of the 19th century. Supports reforms aimed at education, government, military Otherwise prefers traditional ways Other Nations Step In China suffers attacks from other nations; forced to grant more rights Europeans, Japan gain spheres of influence —areas of economic control U.S. declares Open Door Policy (1899) for fear of China being divided into colonies by Europe. Chinese trade open to all nations

An Upsurge in Chinese Nationalism Growing Dissension Many Chinese resent growing power of outsiders, press for change In 1898, Emperor Guangxu enacts reforms to modernize China; Cixi, restored by Qing officials and ends them The Boxer Rebellion Anti-government, anti-European peasants form secret organizations In 1900, they launch Boxer Rebellion —their campaign for reforms Rebels take Beijing, but foreign army defeats them, ending rebellion Though rebellion fails, Chinese nationalism surges (must resist foreign intervention)

continued An Upsurge in Chinese Nationalism The Beginnings of Reform Cixi and other Qing conservatives recognize the necessity of reform In 1905, she sends officials abroad to study other governments (Japan, Britain, US, France, Germany, Italy, and Russia) In 1906, Cixi begins making reforms but they move slowly Unrest continues for four more decades as China must deal with internal struggles and external threats.