Katelyn Kinne

China and the West  Tea-Opium Connection  China traded at a port, Guangzhou, even though they had little interest in trading with the west.  European smuggled opium into China for nonmedical uses. By 1835, 12 million people were addicted to the drug.

China and the West  War Breaks Out  Opium War The British had steam powered gunships but the Chinese ship’s were outdated. After losing the war, the Chinese signed a peace treaty, the Treaty of Nanjing. The British got the island of Hong Kong, and extraterritorial rights.

Growing Internal Problems  The population began to grow but food production didn’t increase. Hunger was widespread and the opium addiction rose.  The people began to rebel.

Growing Internal Problems  Taiping Rebellion  Hong Xiuquan gathered followers for the Taiping Rebellion.  His army attacked and won different areas and cities, including the city of Nanjing. Xiuquan made Nanjing his capital.  British, French, and Chinese forces defeated the rebellion. Possibly 20 million or more people died in the rebellion.

Foreign Influence Grows  Resistance to Change  Dowager Empress Cixi ( ) supported certain reforms.  Updated educational system, diplomatic service, and the military.

Foreign Influence Grows  Other Nations Step In  European countries and Japan gained a foothold in China.  The foothold was called sphere of influence, foreign countries controlled trade and investment.  The United States declared the Open Door Policy, China be open to merchants of all nations. That way China cannot be divided into formal colonies.

An Upsurge in Chinese Nationalism  Boxer Rebellion  Chinese people rebelled against the Dowager Empress’s rule and against foreigner privileges.  Boxer’s siege European section of Beijing and were later defeated  Even after the rebellion was defeated, a strong sense of nationalism emerged in China. They felt they must resist foreign intervention.

An Upsurge in Chinese Nationalism  Beginnings of Reform  The Chinese decided to create a Constitutional Monarchy type government. But it would take years for the reforms to start making change.