History: Year end assessment

Keywords

• Industrial Revolution: A period where goods that were processed changed from human power to machinery. The industrial revolution saw changes, socially economically through technology and warfare.

• Turning point: A specific time at which a decisive change occurs that has short and long-term consequences.

• Revolution: The forceful overthrow of a government in favor of a new system.

• Imperialism: The belief that your country is the best and that you should control the world. You need to have an empire to become more powerful and provide raw materials for your factories.

• Conspiracy: A secret plan by a group of people to do something harmful or illegal.

• Rivalry: Cause one countries want to be the best. Rivalry can also be caused because of jealousy.

• Guomindang: The Chinese nationalist party established by Sun Yatsen

• Communism: The political idea of Karl Marx, Leading to a society in which all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid accordingTo their abilities and needs. Everyone is equal.

• Artillery: Large caliber guns used in land warfare, bombard, enemy positions or troops from a long distance

• Soviet Union: The Russian communist country known as the USSR(Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) Existed from 1922 to 1991.

China since 1900

Keywords:

• dynasty: When one family rules a country for a region over a long period of time.

• Unequal treaties: Series of treaties that China was forced to concede.

• Manchus: A member of the native people Manchuria (Qing) Who conquer China in 1644.

• Boxers: The name of members of a secret society called righteous and harmonious fists.

Chronology

• 1911: The Wuchang Rebellion ends the Manchu dynasty

• 1912: Yuan Shikai becomes the president of china.

• 1913: dr. Sun Yatsen dies.

• 1934: Mao Zedong and the communists are involved in the Long March

• 1958: The Great Leap Forward

Need to know:

• The Dynasty in 1900 was called?

  • Qing/ Manchu

• Who was the last emperor of china?

  • Puyi

• Boxers were…

  • members of the street society called righteous and harmonious fists

• The president in 1914 was…

  • Yuan Shikai

• The May Fourth movement wanted…

  • get rid of old fashioned ideas and introduce modern ideas of freedom, equal rights and scientific progress.

  • simplify China’s complex language so that the poor and uneducated people could read about the new ideas in magazines and newspapers.

• The leader of the Guomindang in 1919 was…

  • Sun Yatsen

• The three principals of the Guomindang were…

  • national freedom

  • Democratic government

  • People’s livelihood

• The leader of the Guomindang after 1925 was…

  • Chiang Kaishek

• The Jiangxi Soviet was…

  • Chinese communist party, implementing lands

• Key historical characters in the Long March were…

  • Mao Zedong

• The Japanese wanted to invade Manchuria because…

  • secure

• The Japanese invaded Manchuria in…

Weaknesses of china:

• The Manchus dynasty

  • PEEL paragraph:

    Point: The Manchu Dynasty weakened China by 1911.

    Evidence: Many people were unhappy with the Qing rulers because they were corrupt and didn’t modernize.

    Explanation: Although China had many past achievements, the Qing Dynasty ignored the people's needs, leading to frustration.

    Link: This discontent helped cause the 1911 Revolution, which ended the Manchu rule.

    Summary:

  • The Manchu Dynasty is also known as the Qing Dynasty.

  • It ruled China from Manchuria in 1900.

  • The dynasty governed an empire for over 2000 years.

  • China became one of the world’s most advanced civilizations during this time.

  • The Chinese excelled in:

    • Astronomy

    • Mathematics

    • Engineering

    • Medicine

  • They were the first to use:

    • Paper

    • Printing

  • They invented:

    • Porcelain

    • Silk-weaving

    • Gunpowder

    • Spectacles

    • The magnetic compass

    • The suspension bridge

• European influence

  • PEEL paragraph:

    Point: By 1911, European influence weakened China and contributed to the fall of the Qing dynasty.

    Evidence: The Opium Wars forced China to sign unfair treaties, while Japan took territories like Korea and Taiwan.

    Explanation: These events angered the Chinese, who blamed the Manchus for foreign control. The Taiping Uprising led to millions of deaths and further weakened the Qing.

    Link: This instability helped bring about the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911.

    Summary:

  • Weakening of the Chinese Empire: By 1900, the Qing dynasty had weakened significantly due to European intervention.

  • Opium Wars:

    • First Opium War (1839-1842): British forced China to continue buying opium from India.

    • Second Opium War (1860): Anglo-French forces attacked Beijing, destroying government buildings.

  • Japanese Aggression (1894-95): Japan took territories such as Korea, Taiwan, and Port Arthur from China.

  • Unequal Treaties: After each conflict, the Manchus signed treaties that gave foreign powers control over Chinese ports and trading privileges.

  • European Control: By the late 19th century, Europeans dominated business and transport in China.

  • Unpopularity of Europeans: Many Chinese blamed the Manchus for allowing foreign control, leading to resentment.

  • Taiping Uprising (1850-1864): A major rebellion against the Qing that resulted in:

    • 20 million deaths.

    • Destruction of 600 cities and fertile land.

    • The Qing's reliance on European help to suppress the uprising, increasing their unpopularity.

• Reforms

  • PEEL Paragraph

    Point: Emperor Guangxu's reforms weakened China by 1911 due to internal conflict.

    Evidence: In 1898, Guangxu introduced new schools and government improvements, but Empress Dowager Cixi opposed him and had him imprisoned.

    Explanation: Cixi's resistance created a power struggle that hindered modernization and left China behind.

    Link: By 1911, these failures contributed to the Qing dynasty's collapse, showing how the reforms weakened the state.

    Summary:

  • Emperor Guangxu's Reforms (1898):

    • Aimed to strengthen China through modernization.

    • Introduced the Hundred Days of Reform.

    • Established new schools and colleges.

    • Revamped the examination system.

    • Improved the government's budget.

    • Dismissed corrupt officials.

  • Opposition from Empress Dowager Cixi:

    • Cixi opposed Guangxu's reforms.

    • Collaborated with conservative court officials.

    • Had Guangxu imprisoned.

    • Gained power to rule China in his place.

• The boxer rebellion

  • PEEL paragraph

    Point: The defeat in the Boxer Rebellion weakened China by 1911.

    Evidence: After the Boxers attacked, eight foreign nations intervened, captured Beijing, and imposed heavy fines on the Manchus.

    Explanation: This defeat revealed China's weakness and reduced trust in the Manchu leaders, increasing anger among the people.

    Link: As a result, the defeat contributed to the decline of the Manchu dynasty and the rise of revolutionary movements by 1911.

    Summary

  • Origins of Discontent:

    • Many Chinese opposed the Manchu dynasty and disliked foreigners, especially Christians.

    • Famine from failed harvests and flooding increased anger.

  • Formation of the Boxer Movement:

    • Led by the Vi Ho Tuan (Righteous and Harmonious Militia).

    • Boxers practiced martial arts and blamed foreigners for their problems.

  • Empress Dowager Cixi’s Involvement:

    • Cixi initially opposed the Boxers but later supported them to gain their loyalty.

    • She encouraged attacks on foreigners.

  • Climax of the Movement:

    • In 1900, Boxers killed Europeans and Christians and besieged 1,000 foreigners in theLegation Quarter.

    • A coalition of eight nations invaded China, capturing and looting Beijing.

  • Consequences of the Defeat:

    • The Manchus had to pay a large fine.

    • Many Boxers were executed, increasing hatred toward foreigners.

  • Aftermath and Reforms:

    • The defeat showed the Manchu dynasty's weakness.

    • Cixi started reforms in 1905, like modernizing education and forming a new army.

    • These efforts were too late, as anti-Manchu feelings continued to grow, leading to the dynasty's decline.

• Sun Yatsen

  • PEEL paragraph

    Point: Sun Yatsen weakened China by 1911 by promoting ideas that opposed the Manchu dynasty.

    Evidence: After police shot protesters in September 1911, Sun Yatsen's "Sword Chinese Brotherhood" helped spread the uprising in Sichuan. On October 10, soldiers in Wuchang joined, leading to a revolution in fifteen provinces.

    Explanation: Sun Yatsen inspired many to stand against the Manchus, showing the dynasty's weakness.

    Link: Therefore, Sun Yatsen's actions weakened the Manchu dynasty and helped lead to the establishment of a republic in China.

    Summary

  • Background:

    • Sun Yatsen was a 34-year-old doctor and Christian in 1900.

    • Educated in American schools in Hawaii and a British college in Hong Kong.

    • He traveled extensively, observing advanced industrial countries like Britain and Japan.

  • Beliefs:

    • Sun Yatsen saw China as backward and weak.

    • He believed China needed to become a republic based on modern, Western principles to thrive.

    • He aimed to remove the Manchu dynasty, which resisted change.

  • Political Activities:

    • Founded several secret societies to overthrow the Manchus.

    • Led the "Revive China Society" from 1894 to 1905.

    • Established the "Tongmenghui" (Sword Chinese Brotherhood) in 1905.

  • Aims:

    • Eliminate the Manchus.

    • End the monarchy.

    • Promote socialism.

  • Challenges:

    • Despite his efforts, Sun Yatsen's revolutionary attempts failed, with ten unsuccessful attempts to overthrow the government by 1911.

• The Wuchang rebellion

  • Point: The Wuchang Uprising weakened China by 1911 and led to the fall of the Manchu dynasty.

    Evidence: The uprising began in September 1911 when police shot demonstrators in Sichuan. On October 10, soldiers in Wuchang joined the rebellion, spreading it to fifteen provinces.

    Explanation: This showed the Manchu government's weakness. Yuan Shikai was called back to stop the rebels but instead agreed to help them form a republic.

    Link: Thus, the Wuchang Uprising revealed the failures of the Manchu dynasty and helped establish a republic in China.

    Summary

  • Start of Uprising (September 1911): Began in Sichuan after police shot demonstrators.

  • Sun Yatsen's Involvement: Agents from his "Sword Chinese Brotherhood" helped spread the uprising.

  • Double Tenth (October 10): Soldiers from the New Army in Wuchang joined the uprising.

  • Spread of Revolution: The uprising quickly spread to central and southern China, involving fifteen provinces by late November.

  • Provisional Government: Rebels formed a provisional government in Nanjing against the Manchu government.

  • Yuan Shikai's Recall: The Manchus recalled Yuan Shikai to suppress the rebels, appointing him Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief.

  • Defeat of Rebels: Yuan quickly recaptured Wuchang but chose not to punish the rebels.

  • Deal with Rebels: Yuan agreed to support the rebels' goals, persuading the regent and young Emperor to step down.

  • Establishment of Republic: Yuan Shikai planned to become President of the new Republic of China.

Essays:

• Fall of Qing

  • The Qing Dynasty, which ruled China from 1644 to 1912, experienced a significant decline leading to its collapse. Two major factors contributed to this downfall: governmental corruption and foreign intervention.

    PEEL 1: Governmental Corruption

    Point: Governmental corruption weakened the Qing Dynasty in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

    Evidence: Corruption among officials led to mismanagement and widespread dissatisfaction. For example, during the 1876-1879 famine, the government's inadequate response resulted in millions of deaths.

    Explanation: This corruption eroded public trust and fueled resentment, as people saw the government failing to meet their basic needs.

    Link: Thus, governmental corruption significantly undermined the Qing Dynasty's stability and authority.

    PEEL 2: Foreign Intervention

    Point: Foreign intervention further destabilized the Qing Dynasty.

    Evidence: The Opium Wars (1839-1842 and 1856-1860) exposed the dynasty's military weaknesses and resulted in unequal treaties. The Boxer Rebellion in 1900 also showed the impact of foreign powers, as an eight-nation alliance invaded China.

    Explanation: These conflicts humiliated the Qing government and stirred nationalist feelings, leading many to call for an end to Qing rule.

    Link: Therefore, foreign intervention weakened the Qing Dynasty and hastened its downfall.

    Conclusion

    The fall of the Qing Dynasty was driven by internal corruption and external pressures. Corruption revealed the government's inability to serve the people, while foreign intervention undermined its authority. Together, these factors led to the Qing's collapse and the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912.

• The rise + rule of Yuan Shikai

  • Yuan Shikai was an important leader in China from 1912 to 1916, playing a key role in the shift from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China. His presidency was marked by power consolidation and authoritarian rule, which led to unrest and his downfall.

    PEEL 1: Consolidation of Power

    Point: Yuan consolidated his power as President.

    Evidence: After the 1912 revolution, he dissolved the National Assembly in January 1914 and declared himself President for ten years with broad powers.

    Explanation: This allowed him to govern without opposition and gain support from foreign powers. By the end of 1914, he controlled twelve provinces.

    Link: Thus, Yuan ruled as a dictator.

    PEEL 2: Authoritarian Rule

    Point: Yuan's authoritarian rule caused dissatisfaction.

    Evidence: In 1915, he tried to make himself Emperor, angering the GMD and military leaders. Accepting Japan’s demands further upset the public.

    Explanation: His disregard for democracy led the military to turn against him, resulting in revolts.

    Link: Therefore, his authoritarian governance contributed to his downfall.

    Conclusion

    Yuan Shikai’s presidency was marked by his consolidation of power and authoritarianism. While he aimed for stability, his actions alienated key groups and caused unrest. After his death in 1916, China fell into chaos, showing the challenges of creating a republic in an autocratic nation.

Changes brought into china:

• The rights of women

  • Firstly, in April 1950, the Communist Party introduced the Marriage Law, which banned arranged marriages, child marriages, and bigamy.

    Secondly, the law established joint ownership of family property, allowing both husbands and wives to have rights to their shared assets.

    Thirdly, it allowed for divorce by mutual consent, enabling women to leave unhappy marriages more easily.

    Lastly, in February 1951, the government provided maternity benefits, giving mothers full wages for two months after childbirth.

• Land Reform

  • Firstly, the Communist Party began land reform by dividing land among peasants in areas they controlled during the civil war and continued this after 1949.

    Secondly, the Agrarian Reform Law of June 30, 1950, sped up land redistribution, with Party members teaching poor peasants to identify social classes.

    Thirdly, poor peasants held meetings to share their struggles and denounce landlords, leading the government to take land from those with excess and redistribute about 47 million hectares to around 300 million peasants by 1952.

    Lastly, many peasants were disappointed to find they lacked tools and money to farm, so they formed mutual aid teams to share resources.

• The Economy

  • Firstly, the government nationalized major banks, the railway network, and a third of heavy industry.

    Secondly, profits from these enterprises were added to the State treasury, giving the government about two-thirds of its revenue.

    Thirdly, in 1951, the People's Bank replaced private banks, controlling all financial transactions and eliminating inflation by the mid-1950s.

    Lastly, farmers had to sell 15 to 20% of their grain to the government at fixed prices and pay an Agricultural Tax on their produce.

• The organization of the People

  • Firstly, the Communist Party organized mass rallies to publicly try "enemies" and counter-revolutionaries.

    Secondly, in 1951, it launched the "Movement for the Study of Mao Zedong's Thought," promoting his writings and public self-criticism.

    Thirdly, campaigns like the "Three Antis" targeted corruption, while the "Five Antis" aimed to eliminate bribery and other offenses, sending offenders to labor camps for re-education.

    Lastly, the Party encouraged all groups, like women and youth, to join Party-run interest groups that it controlled.

Are humans evil?

• T or F?

  • The leader of the SS was Heinrich Himmler. - T

  • William Wilberforce was the leading campaigner in the struggle to abolish slavery in the British Empire. - T

  • Native Americans practiced scalping so their defeated enemies could not hurt them in the afterlife. - T

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest example of the extermination camps used in the Holocaust. -T

  • The “final solution” was the term used to describe the process of the genocide of the Jews. -T

Essay:

• Are humans evil?

  • The Holocaust forces us to confront tough questions about human nature, showing both extreme cruelty and incredible bravery. By examining figures like Irma Grese, Pastor André Trocmé, and the Sonderkommando, we can explore whether humans are inherently evil, good, or somewhere in between.

    Irma Grese is a chilling example of human evil during the Holocaust. Point: As a guard at Auschwitz, she was known for her brutality. Evidence: Grese took part in selecting prisoners for the gas chambers and inflicted suffering on them. Explanation: Her actions reflect a disturbing choice to embrace cruelty, showing how some people can turn away from compassion.

    In contrast, Pastor André Trocmé represents the goodness that can emerge even in dark times. Point: Trocmé bravely sheltered Jewish refugees in France. Evidence: He helped them escape from the Nazis, risking his own safety. Explanation: His commitment to doing what is right highlights the potential for kindness and altruism within us all.

    The Holocaust reveals the complexities of human nature, showing both evil and goodness. Irma Grese embodies cruelty, while André Trocmé represents compassion. The Sonderkommando complicates this view, highlighting moral dilemmas in extreme situations. Ultimately, this history encourages us to think about our choices and what it means to be human in the face of horror.