1. Section 5: China and the New Imperialism
Witness History Audio: Trading Opium for Tea
Trade Between Britain and China
China moved from having a trade surplus with Western countries to having a trade deficit. When British merchants were getting rich from selling opium to the Chinese, China’s demands to shop the trade led to war. British warships had the latest technology and China was defeated. Britain then forced China to open more ports to trade and to give Britain the port of Hong Kong.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “Why do you think British traders introduced opium into China if it was prohibited in their own country?” (Sample: Opium addiction would guarantee a market.) Ask what the opium trade says about how the British viewed the Chinese.
When showing Color Transparency 148, ask students to identify the powers portrayed and explain what situation the cartoon is referring to. Then ask how the cartoonist views the great powers in China.
1 of 7

2. Section 5: China and the New Imperialism
The Taiping Rebellion Weakens China
The peasant revolt known as the Taiping Rebellion nearly toppled the Qing dynasty and led to the deaths of 20–30 million Chinese. As a result, the Qing government had to share power with regional commanders.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “Why do you think British traders introduced opium into China if it was prohibited in their own country?” (Sample: Opium addiction would guarantee a market.) Ask what the opium trade says about how the British viewed the Chinese.
When showing Color Transparency 148, ask students to identify the powers portrayed and explain what situation the cartoon is referring to. Then ask how the cartoonist views the great powers in China.
Geography Interactive: Imperialism in China
Note Taking Transparency 164
2 of 7

3. Section 5: China and the New Imperialism
Launching Reform Efforts
When it became obvious that China was no match for Western powers or a modernized Japan, imperialists rushed to carve out spheres of influence along the coast. The U.S. introduced an Open Door Policy to keep Chinese trade open. In 1898, emperor Guang Xu began a reform program to modernize China called the Hundred Days of Reform, but the Conservatives soon retook control.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “Why do you think British traders introduced opium into China if it was prohibited in their own country?” (Sample: Opium addiction would guarantee a market.) Ask what the opium trade says about how the British viewed the Chinese.
When showing Color Transparency 148, ask students to identify the powers portrayed and explain what situation the cartoon is referring to. Then ask how the cartoonist views the great powers in China.
Color Transparency 148: The Great Powers Divide China
3 of 7

4. Section 5: China and the New Imperialism
The Qing Dynasty Falls
The Qing dynasty once again had to contend with foreign guns and demands after the Boxer Uprising brought in forces of the Western powers and Japan. A Chinese nationalist movement was growing and led to the birth of a republic after the empress Ci Xi died.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “Why do you think British traders introduced opium into China if it was prohibited in their own country?” (Sample: Opium addiction would guarantee a market.) Ask what the opium trade says about how the British viewed the Chinese.
When showing Color Transparency 148, ask students to identify the powers portrayed and explain what situation the cartoon is referring to. Then ask how the cartoonist views the great powers in China.
QuickTake Section Quiz
Progress Monitoring Transparency
QuickTake Chapter Test
4 of 7

5. The New Imperialism: Section 5
Note Taking Transparency 164
5 of 7

6. The New Imperialism: Section 5
Color Transparency 148: The Great Powers Divide China
6 of 7

7. The New Imperialism: Section 5
Progress Monitoring Transparency
7 of 7