Exploring the history of China and Japan in the

19th century.

Paul Grace

August 5th 2013

Sino- Japan Conference, Li Po Chun UWC

'WE SHOULD ALWAYS BE AWARE THAT WHAT NOW LIES IN THE PAST ONCE LAY IN THE FUTURE.' - F.W. MAITLAND

What are some of the unresolved issues in East Asia today?• The Korean Peninsula - Is reunification possible? • 2047 – Will Hong Kong fully integrate with the PRC? • Recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign state.• Senkaku / Diaoyu Islands dispute• The role of democracy in the region• History – especially 2nd Sino-Japanese War and WW2.

• KEY POINT - Many of these issues have their roots in the 19th century.

Three Key Challenges of the 19th Century•Imperial Threats (examples – Perry Expedition, Annexation of Korea, Opium Wars, Unequal Treaties)

•Modernization and Industrialization (examples – Meiji Restoration, Self-Strengthening Movement, 100 Days Reform, Late Qing Reform)

•Rebellion and Revolution (examples – Taiping Rebellion, Nian Rebellion, Satsuma Rebellion, Boxer Rebellion, Xinhai Revolution)

What is imperialism?• "an unequal human and territorial relationship, usually in the form of an empire, based on ideas of superiority and practices of dominance, and involving the extension of authority and control of one state or people over another.” (Dictionary of Human Geography)

• Lenin believed that imperialism represented the final stage of capitalism as discussed in his work – ‘Imperialism – the highest stage of capitalism.’

• Can imperialism have any positive effects?

What is modernization and industrialization?

• In the context of the 19th century this referred to the transition from a traditional, agricultural based economy with a feudal political structure through to a modern, industrialized economy with a more representative political system.

• The most successful example of this occurred in Japan during the Meiji era between 1868 and 1912 where Japan was able to undertake extraordinary transformations in economic, social, political and cultural life.

Rebellion and Revolution• Alongside imperial threats and the challenges of modernization there were also numerous rebellions in the region.

• The Taiping Rebellion in China is largely unheard of to many people. However it is estimated that at least 20 million people died as a result between 1850 and 1864. (TOK American War of Independence)

• The Satsuma Rebellion in Japan 1877, led by samurai folk lore hero Saigo Takamori was against the new Meiji government and almost brought Japan to a state of civil war.

• The Xinhai Revolution in China 1911 brought dynastic rule to an end and brought in a new period of uncertainty into China.

Statue of Saigo in Ueno Park, Tokyo

Summary – How did these developments affect China and Japan?• Japan – Largely positive• Resisted imperialist domination through radical transformation of the Meiji Restoration. Went on to be an expansionist power with a strong economy. Japan was a global power by the early 20th century this included the defeat of Russia in 1905. Japan had become an imperial power.

• China – Largely Negative• Unable to modernize effectively given the conservative nature of the Qing court. Increasingly pressured through unequal treaties from European powers. Loss of war in 1895. 1911 revolution was a culmination of many of these issues.

19th Century Links to International Relations Today

• Hong Kong – Ceded to the British in gradual stages throughout the 19th century. • Taiwan – Became part of Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War, Chinese Civil War (1946-49) led to further complications in the relationship between the PRC and Taiwan.• Korea – Tributary status under the Qing for much of the 19th century, independence for a short period after the First Sino-Japanese War. Annexation by Japan in 1910. Defeat of Japan in 1945 leads to division of the peninsula, the war maintains the status quo.• Senkaku / Diaoyu Islands – Ceded to Japan after victory in 1895.

Activity – Source Investigation• Using the sources you have brought to this session, discuss the following questions in groups.

• 1) What did the USA hope to achieve from the Perry expedition?• 2) What does the Meiji Charter Oath reveal about the intentions of the reformers? • 3) How did Japan benefit from the Treaty of Shimonoseki? What do you think the impact would be on the region?

The Changing Balance of Power after the war.• Defeat of China and victory of Japan creates a new balance of power in the region.• This is rolled back by the Triple Intervention• China experiences a scramble for concessions – e.g. Lease of the New Territories 1897 • Boxer Rebellion in China• Japanese Alliance with UK• Japan goes to war with Russia in 1904-05 and takes full colonial control of Korea 1910• China experiences revolution in 1911

Into the 20th century•World War One 1914 – 1918 • Japan benefits economically, allies with GB, takes control of Shandong Province• China supports the Entente Powers through labor, building roads, trenches in Europe.• Intellectual Developments – Pan Asianism, Mr Science & Mr Democracy, Socialism (esp after 1917)• Paris Peace Conference – Turning Point – Rejection of Chinese demands at Versailles stirred May 4th Movement and encouraged growth of the CCP.•Warlord Era in China

Thanks for listening! Any questions?