NWC: East Asia, Chinese Imperialism

Opium Wars

Wars between Britain and the Qing Empire (mid 1800s), caused by the Qing government's refusal to let Britain import Opium. China lost and Britain and most other European powers were able to develop a strong trade presence throughout China against their wishes.

Treaty of Nanjing

1842, ended Opium war, said the western nations would determine who would trade with china, so it set up the unequal treaty system which allowed western nations to own a part of chinese territory and conduct trading business in china under their own laws.

Unequal Treaties

trade treaties that China signed under pressure of invasion; gave Western powers trade benefits

Open Door Policy

A policy proposed by the US in 1899, under which ALL nations would have equal opportunities to trade in China.

Spheres of influence

Areas in which countries have some political and economic control but do not govern directly (ex. Europe and U.S. in China)

Extraterritoriality

Right of foreigners to be protected by the laws of their own nation.

Taiping Rebellion

a mid-19th century rebellion against the Qing Dynasty in China, led by Hong Xiuquan

Boxer Rebellion

1899 rebellion in Beijing, China started by a secret society of Chinese who opposed the "foreign devils". The rebellion was ended by British troops.