IMPERIALISM IN EGYPT, CHINA, & JAPAN
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Transcript of IMPERIALISM IN EGYPT, CHINA, & JAPAN
EGYPT & THE SUEZ CANAL
Originally France interested in Egypt for strategic location (Red Sea), but Napoleon failed
EGYPT & THE SUEZ CANAL
Egypt interested in modernizing like Europe, so figured they need to trade like Europe
1869 - Decided to build manmade waterway that cut through Suez, connecting Red Sea to Mediterranean SUEZ CANAL
EGYPT & THE SUEZ CANAL
Had to borrow $$ from France ($450 million!), but found they could not pay back the debt
Britain jumped on the chance to oversee financial control of the canal by 1882 British occupied Egypt
Canal was “Lifeline of the British Empire” b/c allowed quicker access to its colonies in Asia and Africa
REFORM IN CHINA
China proud of their culture & many work opportunities very self-sufficient
Not interested in gadgets West was offering; only in agriculture did not want to trade w/ Europeans
But Europeans wanted access to Chinese goods & resources (especially tea)
REFORM IN CHINA
Britain determined to find something Chinese wanted to trade…OPIUM! Habit-forming drug; Chinese doctors used it for pain
relief for centuries
By 1835, 12 million Chinese addicted & rising
Qing Emperor asked Britain to stop, but refused led to OPIUM WAR (1839-1842)
British victory, gained island of Hong Kong
REFORM IN CHINA
Results of Opium War:1. China divided into spheres of
influence2. Increase in Western trade & influence
in Asia3. Britain gains island of Hong Kong4. Taiping Rebellion revolt of the
people against the emperor
REFORM IN CHINA
Due to Opium addiction, China no longer productive & people hungry
Europeans taking advantage of China’s growing problems
Had to declare “Open Door Policy” to keep from being divided up & colonized like Africa
REFORM IN CHINA
Poor peasants/workers resented foreign influence formed secret organization, Society of Harmonious Fists (aka Boxers)
Wanted to get rid of Qing Dynasty, started BOXER REBELLION
Rebellion failed, but nationalism rose; started to travel West to examine government structures
JAPAN & MEIJI ERA
1600s, Japan was isolated (“closed door”)
1853 - US Commodore Matthew Perry took ships/weapons to Japan & demand they open trade signed Treaty of Kanagawa & opened 2 ports to all
Japanese angry & overthrew Tokugawa Shogun
JAPAN & MEIJI ERA
New MEIJI ERA rules (“Enlightened”)
Figured if you can’t beat ‘em,join ‘em adopted European modern ways
Knew wouldn’t be taken over now, so decided to become imperialists too Established colonies in China
Now Japan & Russia major powers in Asia