Authoritarian States: China

World History Topic 10 (20th century) I'M NOT FINISHED WITH THEM

Initial signs of decline in China

Initial signs of decline in China

1. China technologically fell behind the rest of the world. Iron production centres in Hopei had closed; Britain exceeded China’s iron production with canals to link industrial cities.

2. Building problems: family holdings shrunk under Chinese Law of Inheritance in fertile lowlands.

3. Agriculture: deforestation in uplands for crops; increased surface run-off in floods of 19th century. Soil impoverished from lack of fertilisation; could not use excrement → famine.

4. Social and political crisis caused by famine

5. Medicine: China slipped behind in science, having been superior.

Opium War (1839-42)

• Britain wanted to extend trade. Chinese authorities struggled with foreign trade due to illegal imports of non-medical opium; private traders increased imports in the 1820-30s → social problems & drain of silver.

• Britain won following conflict; peace on British terms → The Treaty of Nanjing

Treaty of Nanjing

5 Chinese cities (inc. Shanghai) open to British merchants, Hong Kong Island transferred sovereignty to British Crown, China paid compensation for British merchant damage and accept Britian as an equal in diplomacy.

The Second Anglo-Chinese War (1856-1860)

The Arrow Incident (Chinese seizure of British vessel in Hong Kong) escalated to conflict. Treaty of Tianjin, initially rejected; established Chinese foreign ministry, increasing influence of foreigners; new language schools.

How did missionaries affect China in 19th century?

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How did China lose Tributary States?

• Establishment of French Indo-China (1884)

How did China lose Sovereignty?

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What was the Nationalist Backlash?

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What was the Internal Crisis in China in 19th century?

1. Population explosion

2. Economic crisis: addiction to opium and purchase from foreigners → social damage & large out-flow of silver from China; silver shortage damaged internal commerce

3. Endemic corruption: Corruption of officials - the Emperor’s favourite He Shen took bribes, skimmed funds - spread down hierarchy to town level. Central government failed to extract taxes; weakness in resisting foreign challenges.

The Revolution of 1911-12

• Child Emperor couldn't govern

• Massive budget deficit to pay for reforms and reparations from Boxer Rising

• New armies phased in to replace traditional banner armies - expensive

• Increased taxes necessary

• Torrential rains in 1910-11 lost Mandate of Heaven - grain prices rose, vast numbers died, cities filled with homeless peasants.

• Agitation around railway building triggered some revolts

• Wuchang Uprising (1911): marks beginning of revolution - first major city the Manchu authorities lost control of.