1. China and New Imperialism 12.5

2. Setting the Scene “By the 1830s, British merchant ships were arriving in China loaded with opium to sell to the Chinese. One Chinese official complained bitterly to Britain’s Queen Victoria. ‘I have heard that smoking opium is strictly forbidden in your country,’ he wrote. ‘Why do you let this evil drug be sent to harm people in other countries?” For centuries, Chinese regulations had ensured that China had a favorable balance of trade (the difference between how much a country imports and how much it exports). By the 1800s, the western nations were using their growing power to gain more influence over East Asia.

3. The Trade Issue Prior to 1800s- European merchants were restricted to a small area in southern China. China sold them- silk, porcelain, and tea in exchange for gold and silver. China enjoyed a trade surplus- exporting more than it imported Westerners- had a trade deficit with China- buying more from the Chinese than they sold to them.

4. Two Elements That Transformed Relations By the late 1700s…. 1. China entered a period of decline 2. The Industrial Revolution created a need for expanded markets for European goods. The I.R. gave the West superior military power.

5. The Opium War Late 1700s- British made huge profits by trading opium grown in India to the Chinese. Soon, many Chinese became addicted to the drug. China would pay for this with silver, which hurt the economy. In reaction- Chinese gov. outlawed the drug and executed Chinese drug dealers. They tried to stop the trade with Britain, but British refused. 1839- Opium War began. British were equipped with heavy machinery. Easily defeated the Chinese.

6. Unequal Treaties 1842- Britain made China accept the Treaty of Nanjing. Britain received huge indemnity- payment for losses in the war. Britain also gained the island of Hong Kong. China had to open five ports to foreign trade and grant British citizens in China extraterritoriality, the right to live under their own laws and be tried in their own courts. This treaty was the first of a series of “unequal treaties” with Westerners.

7. Internal Problems By the 1800s- Qing dynasty was in decline. Population explosion from a century earlier caused terrible hardships for China’s peasants. An extravagant court, tax evasion by the rich, and widespread corruption Canals were poorly maintained, leading to massive flooding of the Huang He Valley.

8. The Taiping Rebellion As poverty and misery increased, peasants rebelled, which lasted from 1850- 1864. Most devastating peasant revolt in history. Leader: Hong Xiuquan (howng shyoo chwahn)- school teacher Inspired by religious visions “Heavenly Kingdom of Great Peace” Radical Social Ideas: land reform- community ownership of property, equality for women and men. Overall, he called for an end to the hated Qing dynasty.

9. Taiping Rebellion Continued The Taiping rebels won control of large parts of China for 14 years. Rebellion was crushed by loyal regional governors and generals. Effects: Almost toppled the Qing dynasty 20 – 30 millions deaths of Chinese people The Qing gov. survived but shared power with regional commanders During the rebellion- Russia seized land in northern China

10. Reform Efforts Mid-1800s- Chinese were divided over the need to adopt western ways. Scholars saw no reason Merchants were in favor Imperial court- center of opposition Late 1800s, Empress Ci Xi (tsee shyee) gained power Strong-willed ruler- surrounded herself with advisors who were deeply committed Confucian traditions

11. Self-Strengthening Movement- 1860s- reformers launched movement- imported western technology, set up factories for production of modern weapons, railroads, mining etc. Translated western works on science, gov, econ. Made little progress- no gov. support War with Japan- 1868- Japan began to modernize. Then joined western imperialists in the competition for a global empire. Sino-Japanese War- 1894- Japan gained Taiwan Sphere of Influence- War showed China’s weakness. Western Nations moved quickly. “Open door policy” Hundred Days of Reform- Emperor Guang Xu- new laws set to modernize government, new industries Later- Rallied against reform- Emperor imprisoned and Ci Xi reasserted control

13. The Qing Dynasty Fall Boxer Uprising 1899- Anti- foreign feelings exploded. Drive out “foreign devils” who polluted the land with their un-Chinese ways- strange buildings, machines, etc. Led by Righteous Harmonious Fists- trained in Martial arts. 1900- Boxers attacked foreigners all over China. Westerners and Japan organized a force to crush the revolt.

14. Aftermath of the Uprising China had to make concessions to foreigners Soon even Chinese conservatives supported westernization Admitted women to schools Stressed science and math in place of Confucian thought. In general, Chinese economy grew as they began to modernize.

15. Three Principles of the People Although the Boxer uprising failed, Chinese nationalism spread. Sun Yixian- passionate spokesperson in support of a Chinese Republic based on three principles: 1. Nationalism (Freeing China from foreign domination) 2. Democracy (representative gov) 3. Livelihood (Economic security)

16. Birth of a Republic When Ci Xi died in 1908, a two year old boy inherited the throne. China slipped into chaos with all sorts of uprisings Sun Yiaxin hurried home from a trip to the U.S. in 1911. In December 1911- named president of new Chinese republic. For the next 37 years, the republic was almost constantly at war with itself or fighting off foreign invasion.