The Opium Wars and Taiping Rebellion

These flashcards summarize key concepts and terms related to British imperial expansion, the Opium Wars, the Taiping Rebellion, and the Boxer Rebellion, providing definitions for each term.

British Imperial Expansion

The growth of British territories around the world, particularly during the nineteenth century, marked by economic desires and tensions with other nations.

Opium Wars

Conflicts between Britain and China, specifically from 1839 to 1850, largely over the British trade of opium to China.

Lin Zexu

A Chinese official who played a vital role in opposing opium trade and is known for seizing and destroying large quantities of opium.

Treaty of Nanking

The 1842 treaty that ended the First Opium War, ceded Hong Kong to Britain, and established favorable trade conditions for the British.

Taiping Rebellion

A massive civil war in southern China (1850-1864) led by Hong Zhikuan against the Qing dynasty, resulting in millions of deaths.

Hong Zhikuan

The leader of the Taiping Rebellion who claimed divine inspiration to overthrow the Qing dynasty and establish his own rule.

Boxer Rebellion

An anti-foreign and anti-Christian uprising in China that occurred between 1899 and 1901, led by the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists.

Self-Strengthening Movement

A late 19th-century initiative aimed at modernizing China's military and economy while retaining traditional values.

Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists

A secret society that led the Boxer Rebellion, aiming to expel foreign influence from China and promote traditional Chinese culture.

Nationalism

A strong identification with one's own nation and support for its interests, often in opposition to foreign influence.