Chapter 11: China in crisis

What were the origins of opium trade in China?

Opium originated from Arab traders, initially as medicine, and became highly addictive.

What was the significance of opium to Britain's trade with China in the late 1700s?

Opium became Britain's most valuable export to China, used to offset trade balance for tea.

What was the role of corrupt officials in the opium trade?

Corrupt Chinese officials ignored the illegal opium trade in exchange for bribes.

What did Commissioner Lin Zixu do to combat opium in China?

He seized and destroyed 3 million pounds of opium and expelled western traders.

What resulted from the first Opium War (1840-1842)?

Britain won and imposed restrictions on Chinese property, opening five ports to European traders.

What was the outcome of the Second Opium War (1856-1858)?

Britain won, leading to more ports opened, foreign freedom to travel and buy land, and allowance for Christianity.

What issues faced China internally during the 19th century?

Economic problems, food shortages, drug addiction, opium issues, and corruption in government.

What was the Taiping Rebellion?

A revolt against the Qing dynasty led by Hong Zhikang, who claimed to be the younger brother of Jesus.

What were the demands of the Taiping rebellion?

Abolition of private property, land redistribution, equality for men and women, and an end to opium smoking.

How did the Taiping Rebellion ultimately end?

It was defeated due to divisions in leadership and lack of effective coordination with other rebels.

What was the consequence of imperialism for China after losing wars?

China lost control of Vietnam, Korea, and Taiwan, leading to spheres of influence by Western nations.

What was the Chinese self-strengthening movement?

An attempt in the 1860s-70s to modernize while reinvigorating traditional practices and borrowing from the West.

What challenges did the self-strengthening movement face?

Conservative landlords and leaders feared loss of power, and there was a dependence on foreign assistance.

What triggered the Boxer Rebellion?

A militia revolted against Europeans and Chinese Christians, attempting to take control of foreign embassies.

What was the outcome of the Boxer Rebellion?

Western powers intervened to crush the rebellion, and China was forced to pay reparations.

Why did modernization efforts in China fail?

The ineffective Qing leadership and resistance from reformers and conservative powers hindered progress.

What happened in 1911 in China?

The imperial order collapsed, leading to the declaration of the Republic of China.

What significant change arose from Chinese nationalism?

A movement arose against foreigners, fostering a desire for a unified national identity.