Post on 01-Sep-2014
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China had become an increasingly important member of the global community
Western economic pressure forced China to open to foreign trade and influence
Out of pride in their culture, the Chinese looked down on all foreigners
In 1793, the emperor allows a British ambassador into China
The emperor is shown the West’s most advanced technology: clocks, globes, musical instruments, and even a hot-air balloon
He is unimpressed, they were not interested in the “strange objects” of the West
China was able to reject these items because they were self sufficient
The basis of this was their agriculture
China had numerous resources: Tin, copper, silver, and iron China also had numerous other
exotic goods: silk & fine porcelain
European merchants were desperate to find something the Chinese would trade for
Eventually the found one… OPIUM Opium is a habit forming narcotic made
from the poppy plant The Chinese had been using it as a pain
killer for years Europe was now peddling it for non-medical
use
It took a few decades to catch on, but by 1835 as many as 12 million Chinese people were addicted to the drug
The growing supply of Opium caused great problems for China
Pleas went unanswered and the British refused to stop the Opium trade
The result would be a clash between the British and the Chinese – the Opium War
The battles took place mostly at sea
China’s outdated ships were no match for the British steam-powered gun boats
As a result China suffers a humiliating defeat and is forced to sign the treaty of Nanjing
British will get Hong Kong and British citizens would not be subject to Chinese law
By 1898, China had been humiliated by its loss of power
People began to demand a modernization of China
China’s emperor, Guangxu sought to see Chin reorder its educational system, the economy, modernize the military, and streamline the government
This was a lot of change for a country who did not like change
Guangzu was placed under arrest, his policies reversed and he lost control of the government to Empress Dowager
People continued to be frustrated at their situation and finally it erupted in violence
Poor peasants and workers resented the special privileges of the foreigners
Those not happy with situation formed a secret organization called the Society of the Righteous and Harmonious Fists
However, the soon became known as the Boxers
They would lead the way to rid the country of Empress Dowager and foreign privilege this would be known as the Boxer Rebellion
“Death to the Foreign Devils” became the battle cry
Boxers placed the European section of Beijing under siege
The Boxers would eventually fail, being overwhelmed by a multi-national army
But despite their failure the Chinese realized they:
needed to resist foreign invasion Increase government listening to their needs
Cause: British Bring Opium to China
Effect: Many Chinese Become Addicted
Overall Outcome: Opium War
Cause: Foreign Influence comes to China
Effect: Sphere of Influence in China
Overall Outcome: British, French, German, Japan and Russia all control trade in China
Cause: United States declares Open Door Policy
Effect: China is now safe from colonization
Overall Outcome: China is still dominated by foreign powers
Cause: Workers and poor launch Boxer Rebellion
Effect: Increase of Nationalism
Overall Outcome: Reforms will need to be executed