IMPERIALISM

Study Guide: Imperialism in China and Japan

China

  • Spheres of Influence: European powers divided China into exclusive trading zones.

    • Opium Trade: British sold opium to China; the Chinese tried to ban it.

    • Opium Wars: Britain fought China to enforce trade, ending with the Treaty of Nanjing (an unequal treaty).

  • Taiping Rebellion: Occurred alongside foreign interference, increasing instability and foreign dependence.

  • Open Door Policy: U.S. proposal to allow open trading rights in China, which was largely disagreed upon by other countries.

  • Boxer Rebellion: Anti-foreign uprising led by the Boxers, resulting in increased foreign influence due to foreign defenses.

Japan

  • Closed Country Edict: Issued by Shogunate to keep foreigners out, causing stagnation.

  • Commodore Matthew Perry: Opened Japan for trade by forcing the Treaty of Kanagawa.

  • Meiji Restoration: Overthrow of the Shogunate, leading to rapid industrialization and military strengthening.

  • First Sino-Japanese War: Japan took control of Korea and invaded Chinese territory; ended with significant territorial gains.

  • Russo-Japanese War: Japan defeated Russia, proving its military power and leading to the annexation of Korea.

Comparative Analysis

  • China vs. Japan:

    • China: Committed to traditional values, resists change, loses conflicts, and grants spheres of influence.

    • Japan: Initially resists but adapts and modernizes, strengthening militarily and becoming an empire builder.

Latin America after Independence

  • Colonial Legacy: Issues of land distribution and wealth gaps, leading to political instability.

  • Caudillos: Military-supported dictators ruling many Latin American countries.

  • Economic Influence:

    • Dependence on agriculture; limited industrialization due to foreign influence (e.g., United Fruit Company).

    • Foreign companies' control hindered local investment in infrastructure and education.

The United States' Influence

  • Monroe Doctrine (1823): Asserted U.S. influence over Latin America.

  • Spanish-American War (1898): Resulted in control over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

  • Roosevelt Corollary: U.S. prepared to use force in Latin America, exemplified by support for Panamanian independence for the Panama Canal.