Republic of China
Established in 1912 after the 1911 Revolution, it marked the end of the Qing Dynasty's imperial rule.
Influenced by Sun Yat-sen and other nationalists, it aimed to create a modern nation-state based on ideas of nationalism and democracy.
Its founding was significant as it laid the groundwork for subsequent political developments in modern China.
what led to the opium war? what were its consequences?
1. British merchants began smuggling opium into China in the late 1700s, leading to widespread addiction.
2. By 1835, an estimated 12 million Chinese were addicted to opium, causing social and economic issues.
3. In 1839, naval conflict erupted after the Qing Dynasty took action against the opium trade, resulting in war.
1. The Treaty of Nanjing (1842) ceded Hong Kong to Britain and imposed heavy reparations on China.
2. The establishment of 'spheres of influence' allowed foreign powers to control trade and territory in China.
3. The Qing Dynasty's power was further weakened, leading to increased internal strife and national unrest.
4. The Opium trade continued to expand in China, exacerbating addiction and social issues.
motivations of the boxer rebellion
1. Growing resentment against foreign influence and domination in China, fueled by economic hardships and unequal treaties.
2. Nationalistic feelings among the Chinese as a reaction to foreign imperialism, leading to a desire to reclaim sovereignty.
3. Social unrest stemming from class disparities and dissatisfaction with the Qing Dynasty's inability to protect Chinese interests.
4. Anti-Christian sentiment, as many Western missionaries were converting Chinese citizens, causing cultural conflicts.
How did Commodore Perry force Japan to be open for trade? What were the effects on Japan?
In 1853, Commodore Perry arrived in Japan with a fleet of warships, demonstrating American military strength.
Perry used the threat of force to pressure Japan into signing trade agreements.
The Treaty of Kanagawa was signed in 1854, allowing the U.S. access to two Japanese ports for trade.
This opening led to significant changes in Japan, including the end of its isolationist policies and the beginning of modernization influenced by Western practices.
How did the Meiji constitution show the influence of Western ideas?
West: Established a constitutional monarchy similar to Western nations, with an emperor as the figurehead and a legislature.
Included a bill of rights, ensuring civil liberties for citizens, reflecting Western democratic principles.
Adopted a parliamentary system that mimicked European governance structures.
Conserve: Retained the emperor's divine status, reinforcing traditional beliefs and the cultural significance of the imperial institution.
Mandated loyalty to the emperor, emphasizing national pride and cultural identity.
Incorporated traditional Japanese values, such as duty and honor, in the moral teachings of the education system established by the constitution
How did the Meiji government take power in Japan?
In 1868, the Meiji government established itself following the Meiji Restoration when the emperor, previously a mere figurehead, reclaimed authority from the shogunate. This shift occurred due to growing dissatisfaction among Japanese citizens regarding Western interventions and the perceived weakness of traditional governance.
How did the Meiji government modernize Japan economically, militarily, and politically?
Econ: Established national infrastructure (railways, factories, currency).
Poli: Established a constitutional monarchy, promoting civil rights.
Mili: Improved defense capabilities, asserting Japan as an imperial power.
What did the Taiping Rebellion demonstrate about the Qing Dynasty?
Demonstrated the Qing Dynasty's declining authority.
Revealed widespread dissatisfaction among the populace.
Showed the inability of the Qing to manage internal strife
What were spheres of influence? What countries had them in China?
Regions where foreign powers had exclusive trading rights.
Included areas controlled by various nations.
Key players included Britain, France, Germany, Japan, and Russia.
Failures of Qing Dynasty
War with Great Brx: opium war
Euro imperialism in China: Spheres of influence
What motivated the Boxer Rebellion? What was its importance?
(Motv) Nationalism sparked desire for sovereignty from imperial control.
Social unrest from class disparity and dissatisfaction with the Qing Dynasty's governance.
Anti-Christian sentiment against Western missionaries converting Chinese citizens.
(Impt) Highlighted the struggle between traditional values and foreign influence.
Raised awareness of the need for governmental reform responsive to domestic needs.
What led to the 1911 revolution? How did China’s government change as a result?
(Factors) Dissatisfaction with Qing Dynasty rule and foreign interference.
Desire for modernization and democratic governance.
Influence of revolutionary leaders like Sun Yat-sen.
Growing nationalist sentiment among the populace.
(Result) Abolition of imperial rule, ending the Qing Dynasty.
Establishment of the Republic of China.
Transition towards a nationalist political party ruling instead of immediate democracy.
Set the stage for future political conflicts and developments.
Opium War def
Starting in late 1700s, Brx merchants began smuggling opium into China
By 1835, 12 million Chinese addicted
Qing Dyn protested, but Brx refused to stop selling opium
1839: Naval war broke out
Brx superior navy defeated China’s
2 humiliating peace treaties
Opium trade continued
Trade expanded further ports
Brx given island of Hong Kong (1840)
Europeans given “extraterritorial rights” - foreigners not subject to Chinese law
1842: Brx also took Nanjing and Shanghai
Treaty of Nanjing -
Hong Kong to Brx, 21 M in silver comp
Surrender over Brx citizens in china
No mention of opium or opium trade
How did the Meiji government demonstrate its military strength in the 1st Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War?
S-J: Japan showcased its military capabilities by decisively defeating China in 1895, marking its emergence as a modern power on the world stage.
R-J: Japan asserted its military prowess by defeating Russia in 1905, which was the first victory of an Asian nation over a European power in modern history.
“Modern China”
end of rule by emperors, adoption of ideas of Western democracy and nationalism
euro imperialism + dissatisfaction with Qing Dynasty led to development of Modern China
china self-sufficient
During 1600s-1700s, China largely self-sufficient
Strong agro supported pop
Mining and manufacturing industries
Salt, tin, iron, silk, cotton, porcelain
Little interest in trading with Europe
European trade restricted to single city of Guangzhou
problems with opium trade
Silver was decreasing, while value of copper coins decreased, led to inflation
People were using too much opium, led to addiction, listlessness, etc.
Can’t work
B/c opium was illegal, it justified people to do other illegal activities
Higher crime, stealing, money laundering, bribing, etc.
Gov’t officials were corrupt b/c they were being bribed
People from every class could be/were addicted to it
most significant failures of the Qing Dynasty
Widespread hunger: pop increased while food did not
Opium addiction grew
Taiping Rebellion gave poor people the opportunity to be rich/hope to be rich
Boxer Rebellion was an example of nationalism
Rebellion was more poor ppl, wanted to remove the class boundaries and remove foreigners from power
Had a common goal to remove foreigners, led to sense of unity
What made Sun Yat-sen’s ideas “modern”?
Spoke for ppl and fought for democracy/Western ideas
Coming out of a time of emperors, wanted people to have more control
3 principles: nationalism, democracy, “people’s livelihood”
Called for an overthrow of the current govt system
Tokugawa Shogunate
1603-1867
Japan’s emperor (above the shogun) was a figurehead, had no real power
Japan ruled by military generals = shogun
Clan ruled until 1603-1867
Japan Initially Similar to China
Like China, Japan limited trade with Euros
US used threat of force to open up trade
1853, 1854 - Commodore Perry of the US Navy brought warships to Japan
Under threat, Japan allowed US access to 2 ports in 1854, 5 more in 1858
Like China, Japan had to agree to “extraterritoriality” - foreigners not subject to Japanese law
Meiji Restoration
Many Japanese felt humiliated by terms imposed by US leads to the emperor (prev. only a figurehead) took control of Japan from the shogun in 1868
Known as “Meiji Restoration” bc emperor took name “Meiji” = “enlightened rule”
1868-1912: Emperor Meiji ruled Japan
Believed Japanese weakness was due to clinging to traditional ways
Wanted to modernize Japan like the West
Govt officials sent to US/Euro to learn about western society
All children required to attend school, some studied abroad
Japan was mostly feudal - this increased education greatly
National public education system
Meiji Reforms
Political: feudalism ended, adopted Euro-style constitution
Established Meiji constitution in 1890-1947
Effectively made Japan a constitutional monarchy
Emperor had highest power
Shared power with a legislature
Judicial system was established
Established certain rights for people
Economic: rapid industrialization
Japan adopted Western methods of industrialization
Built infrastructure (factories, roads, bridges)
National railway
National currency
Led to massive economic growth and industrialization
Between 1895-1915, factory production grew more in Japan than the US
No point in having an industrial economy unless you’re willing to trade - factories will make too much product for the domestic market
Military: developed modern military based on European model
Had still been samurai (locally loyal)
Then needed national army
Based their navy off British
Modeled military on Britain’s and Prussia’s
Required 3 years of service from all men
1870s- forced Korea to open ports to Japanese trade, even though Korea was allied with China
1895 - invaded and defeated China in the First Sino-Japanese War
Japan becomes major power
Victory against China led to Japan becoming the most powerful Asian country
Japan gained control of Taiwan from China
Was able to build factories in China
Western powers ended extraterritoriality
If they come to Japan, they are under Japanese law
1905 - defeated Russia in Russo-Japanese War
Japan gained control of Russian railway lines in Manchuria (part of China)
Took control of two Russian ports in Manchuria
1910 - Japan took over Korea as a colony
Japan ends up losing all of these territories after WW2