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China and Japan Modernize. China and the West. During the 1800s, China declined as western powers used diplomacy and war to gain power in East Asia China worked to keep a balance of trade Strict limits on foreign trade
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China and the West • During the 1800s, China declined as western powers used diplomacy and war to gain power in East Asia • China worked to keep a balance of trade • Strict limits on foreign trade • Prior to the 1800s, China enjoyed a trade surplus, the West a trade deficit • By the late 1700s, China declined and the West rose through the Industrial Revolution, which provided for new markets and superior military technology
Interest in China • British traded Indian opium for Chinese tea; Chinese became addicted to opium and lost silver in payment for the drug • Chinese govt outlawed opium and executed drug dealers; British refused to stop trade, wanting free trade • China complained to Britain’s Queen Victoria • Asked her to stop the trade, Britain refused insisting on the right of free trade
Opium War (1839-1842) • Fought to block the drug from being smuggled into China • 1839 Chinese warships clashed w/ British merchants; in return British attacked and easily won • The Treaty of Nanking (Nanjing) granted Britain 4 more ports + Hong Kong until 1997 • Granted extraterritorial rights: British law, not Chinese in those ports • China was forced to sign a number of other treaties with other countries • Spheres of influence: where foreigners could do what they wanted
Chinese Modernization • Numerous domestic issues plagued China • Taiping Rebellion – peasants successfully revolted for 14 years, but eventually govt gained control; in the end 20-30 million died • Western spheres of influence – the West carved up China coastline; Americans & Open Door Policy • Boxer Rebellion: anti-foreign uprising; Chinese crushed and were forced w/ more western reforms and demands • Reforms • Self strengthening movement – adopted western technology, philosophies, etc; gained minimal progress • 1894 war with Japan – lost Taiwan • Hundred Days of Reform • Early 1900s – constitutional monarchy led to republic in 1911
Japan • During the late 1800s Japan opens their doors to foreign influence and became a modern industrial power • mid-1800s, Japan was split on whether or not to open its doors, in the end, isolation ended & transformation begun • Events leading to modernization: • Govt tried to revive “old” traditional ways • Americans forced Japan to open its doors to trade • Japanese criticized shogun (hereditary military governors) for not taking a tough stand against the foreigners; social/economic unrest increased
Meiji Restoration (1868-1912) • Growing discontent led to the overthrow of the shogun and reinstatement of the emperor to power • Reformers wanted to replace feudalism w/ new political and social systems and a modern industrial economy • Adopted German model of govt, all were equal under law, established a western-style bureaucracy, used western technology to strengthen military • Built western forms of business and factory systems • Ended legal distinctions between classes, set up schools/universities, hired westerners to teach modern technology
Modernization Leads to Imperialism • Japanese modernization was relatively quick due to common language and culture, economic growth, learned from other’s experiences (China), and were determined to resist foreign rule • Japan began imperialist ideals due to economic needs • Sino-Japanese War 1894 – Japan defeated China to gain ports and island of Taiwan • Russo-Japanese War 1905 – Japan defeated Russia gaining control over Korea and rights in Manchuria (natural resources) • Japan annexed Korea in 1910 until 1945
Overall Reasons for Asian Imperialism In their relentless race for raw materials, new markets, and Christian converts, western industrial powers gobbled up Southeast Asia. By the 1890s, Westerners controlled most of Southeast Asia. They: • introduced modern technology • expanded commerce and industry • set up new enterprises to mine tin and harvest rubber • brought in new crops of corn and cassava • built harbors and railroads These changes benefited Westerners far more than the people of Southeast Asia.
