Aim: Why does China resist outside influence?

Imperialism-seizure of a country or territory by a stronger country.


China Resists Outside Influence

Western economic pressure forces China to open to foreign trade and influence.



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

• British smuggle opium (late 1700s); many Chinese become addicted



War Breaks Out

• In 1839, Opium War erupts—fight caused by opium trade

• China loses the war to more modern British navy

• Treaty of Nanjing (1842) gives British control of

Hong Kong

• In 1844, other nations win extraterritorial rights

• Rights mean foreigners exempt from laws at Guangzhou, other ports



Population Problems

• China’s population booms from 1790 to 1850

• Crop yields do not grow as fast, producing widespread hunger, unrest



The Taiping Rebellion

• In late 1830s, Hong Xiuquan recruits followers to build new China

• Taiping Rebellion—name given Hong’s movement; taiping—“great peace”

• In 1850s, Hong’s army grows large, captures large areas in southeast

• By 1864, rebellion defeated by internal fighting, outside attack



Foreign Influence Grows -Resistance to Change

• Dowager Empress Cixi rules China most years from 1862 to 1908

• 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)

-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; Cixi, restored, ends them



The Boxer Rebellion

• Anti-government, anti-European peasants form secret organization

• 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



The Beginnings of Reform

• Cixi and other conservatives recognize necessity of reform

• In 1905, she sends officials abroad to study other governments

• In 1906, Cixi begins making reforms but they move slowly

• Unrest continues for four more decades