Name: Date: Global History 10 Period:

Imperialism in China

Terms to know: • Extraterritorial Rights- Condition unique to China during the age of Imperialism where western residents were above local Chinese law. • Sphere of Influence- China was carved up by the Europeans each western state claiming rights and power of various sections of China.

Background: Before the Silk Road, the mountains in China were a barrier to trade between China and Europe. Although China was isolated, it still experienced a Golden Age under the Tang and Song dynasties. In the 1400’s, China was far more advanced than Europe. Therefore, the Chinese felt their culture was superior (better) to others. The belief that one’s culture is superior is called ethnocentrism. After the Silk Road was established, China began to trade with Europe. The Chinese traded silk, porcelain, tea and spices for European silver. They were not interested in European goods. This created a favorable balance of trade for the Chinese. Despite this, Europeans became far more advanced than China militarily and technologically by the 1800s.

Photo Cause How d id th is a f fec t the Ch inese?

1. Explain how Chinese trading policy demonstrated ethnocentrism.  

     

Britain bought so much Chinese tea that it was eager to find something that the Chinese would want in large quantities. In the early 1800s, the British began shipping opium to China. Opium is a highly addictive drug made from the juice of poppy plants to relieve pain. Despite a government ban, British merchants continued to smuggle opium from India into China at port cities not officially open to British trade. British merchants are able to do this because of the growing demand for opium and due to the superior sailing abilities of the British ships. By 1835, 12 million Chinese people were addicted to opium. In 1839, the Chinese destroyed over 30,000 chests of opium worth $6 million. The British responded with military force. In this conflict, known as the Opium War

2. Describe the effect smoking opium had on the people of China.     3. Use one of the following words to compose a prediction as to who will win the Opium war. Consider the pros and cons for each. . Indust r ia l i za t ion/Ethnocentr ism.

   

Do you want any of my stuff? No thanks bro.

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4. Why do you think the Treaty of Nanjing was called an “unequal treaty”?

As a result of the Opium War, other nations became aware of China’s weakness. Throughout the late 1800s, foreign nations divided China into spheres of influence. A sphere of influence is a region in which a foreign nation controls trade and investment. In its Open Door Policy, the United States proposed that China’s “doors” be open to merchants of all nations. The Boxer Rebe l l ion (1899-1900) As Europeans continued to carve out their spheres of influence within China, The United States looked to begin trade with China as well. The U.S. called for an “open door policy” which would allow all foreign countries to access China for trade equally. This policy was accepted by all imperial powers and led to growing anti-foreign feelings amongst the Chinese people. Chinese people also grew angry over Christian missionaries who belittled Chinese thinkers like Confucius. The presence of foreign troops was another source of unhappiness because many foreigners were ignoring Chinese laws. In 1899, a group in China called the Righteous Harmonious Fists, or Boxers (as the Westerners called them), led a rebellion against all foreign people living in China. An international army of Europeans, Americans, and Japanese defeated this rebellion with their superior military technology, and once again, China had to make concessions to these powers. Slowly, China began to adopt Western ideas as shipping, industry, and trade began to grow. The decline of the Manchu Dynasty was soon complete. In 1911, the last Chinese emperor was overthrown and China became a republic. 5. Explain several (more than a few) reasons why the Chinese continued to grow angry in the late 1800’s?

6. What was the purpose of the Boxer Rebellion?

Treaty of Nanj ing Ar t ic le I I

His Majesty the Emperor of China agrees that British citizens shall be granted extraterritorial rights. British are allowed to live in Chinese cities without being bothered or restrained by Chinese law. They are only obligated to follow the laws of Great Britain.

Article III His Majesty the Emperor of China gives up to Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain the island of Hong Kong to be possessed forever by her

Britannic Majesty, her heirs and successors. The island of Hong Kong will be governed by the laws of the British Empire. Article VI

The Emperor of China agrees to pay $12 million to make up for the British expenses for having had to send military to demand and obtain payment for the violent and unjust actions of the Chinese authorities toward British citizens and property.