China and Japan in the 20th Century

Focus Question and Analysis Questions

• Focus Question: How successful were nationalist movements in China and Japan?
• Analysis Questions:
  • How did resentment of foreign interest lead to the downfall of the Qing Dynasty?
  • How did the nationalist movement grow and change under the leadership of Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-shek?
  • How did communism develop in China?
  • Describe the changes in Japanese life caused by rapid modernization.
  • How and why did Japan pursue a policy of expansionism in the 20th century?

Changes in China

• Open Door Policy: Proposed by the US in 1899 to ensure equal trading rights in China and prevent any single nation from monopolizing China’s trade.
• The Boxers: Anti-foreign movement led to violence against foreign nationals and missionaries known as the Boxer Rebellion, which was ultimately suppressed by an international coalition.
• Foreign Domination: By the end of the 1800s, China was heavily influenced by foreign powers, leading to resentment and nationalist movements.
• Kuomintang: Formed as a result of growing nationalist sentiment alongside Sun Yat-sen's leadership.
• End of the Qing dynasty: Marked by a series of revolutions and pressure from nationalists, especially in 1911 when the last Qing emperor abdicated.

Resentment Leading to the Fall of the Qing Dynasty

• Cultural Reforms Attempted by Qing: Young Qing emperor sought to modernize, but conservative leaders resisted.
• Reaction against Foreign Interests: Growing anti-foreign sentiment culminated in movements such as the Boxer Rebellion, which aimed to eradicate foreign influence.

The Boxer Rebellion

• Overview: A violent anti-foreign movement in 1900, targeting missionaries and foreign nationals, leading to its suppression by a coalition of imperialist powers.
• Consequences: China faced harsh penalties, and this event marked a low point in Chinese sovereignty, inciting nationalist sentiment.

Nationalist Movements in China

• Formation of Kuomintang (Nationalist Party): Emerged from the frustrations of failed reforms and foreign influence, advocating for modernization and reform.
• Leadership of Sun Yat-sen: Advocated for the 'Three Principles of the People:' government by the people, rights for the people, and livelihood for the people.

Fall of Qing Dynasty and Rise of Republic

• End of Monarchy: The abdication of the last Qing emperor in 1912 and the establishment of the Republic of China.
• Transition: Challenges in establishing a stable modern government as warlords gained power post-Qing.
• Chiang Kai-shek's Role: Took control of the Nationalist party after Sun Yat-sen’s death and initially conducted the Northern Expedition to unify China.

Development of Communism in China

• Formation of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP): Established in 1921, focused on helping peasants and opposing the Nationalists.
• Conflict with Nationalists: Resulted in purges against communists from the Kuomintang, particularly under Chiang Kai-shek’s leadership.
• The Long March: A strategic retreat undertaken by the CCP to escape Nationalist attacks and secure a base in northern China (Shaanxi).
• Rise of Mao Zedong: Emerged as a prominent leader during the Long March, emphasizing the importance of peasant support for the revolution.

Modernization and Expansionism in Japan

• Industrialization: Transformed Japan into a military power by the late 19th century, leading to the need for resources and expansionist policies.
• Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905): Marked Japan's emergence as a world power, defeating Russia and establishing dominance in Korea and Manchuria.
• Treaty of Portsmouth: Resulted in Russia recognizing Japan's dominance in Korea, solidifying Japan's position as an imperial power.
• Social Changes: Rapid modernization brought social upheaval, with movements for democracy rising amidst dissatisfaction with military governance.

Conclusion

• This period in China and Japan highlights the complexity of nationalist movements and the interplay of foreign influence, internal strife, and social change. Nationalist movements in China laid the groundwork for civil war and the eventual rise of communist rule, while Japan navigated its own path of modernization and militarization, culminating in expansionist ambitions that would eventually lead to conflict in the Pacific during World War II.