Asian Imperialism

Opium War

1839–1842 conflict over the opium trade; led to the Treaty of Nanjing.

Extraterritorial rights

Privileges allowing foreigners to be subject to their home nation’s laws rather than Chinese law.

Taiping Rebellion

Mid-19th-century peasant rebellion seeking a 'Heavenly Kingdom of Great Peace.'

Sphere of influence

Region where a foreign power claims exclusive rights to trade and investment.

Open Door Policy

1899 U.S. policy advocating equal trading rights in China.

Boxer Rebellion

1899–1901 anti-foreign uprising crushed by an international coalition.

Guangxu’s Hundred Days reform

1898 reform movement aimed at modernizing education, economy, military, and government.

May Fourth Movement

1919 student-led protests against imperialism and the Versailles betrayal.

Kuomintang (KMT)

Nationalist Party seeking unification and modernization.

Chinese Communist Party (CCP)

Revolutionary party advocating socialism; focused on peasant mobilization.

Warlord Era

Period of fragmented regional control following Yuan Shikai’s death.

Long March

1934–1935 CCP strategic retreat that became a foundational myth of resilience.

United Front

Temporary KMT–CCP cooperation against Japanese aggression.

Treaty of Nanjing

1842 agreement ending the Opium War, ceding Hong Kong to Britain.

Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists

Secret society also known as the 'Boxers' aiming to expel foreigners from China.

Self-Strengthening Movement

Effort initiated by Dowager Empress Cixi to incorporate Western technology and military practices.

Boxers

Members of the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists who led an anti-foreign uprising.

Nationalists (Kuomintang)

Political force in China competing with communists for control and modernization.

Mao Zedong

Leader of the Chinese Communist Party advocating for a peasant-based revolution.