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Imperialism in Asia. China. Self Sufficient- resisted trade with the west. Europeans wanted to find a product the Chinese would buy in large quantity (Opium- very addictive drug). The Chinese Emperor was angry- led to the Opium War in 1839. British won: gained control
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China • Self Sufficient- resisted trade with the west. • Europeans wanted to find a product the Chinese would buy in large quantity (Opium- very addictive drug). • The Chinese Emperor was angry- led to the Opium War in 1839. • British won: gained control of Hong Kong through the Treaty of Nanjing.
Internal Problems in China • Taiping Rebellion (1853-1864) • Chinese began to rebel against Qing Dynasty. • Hong Xiuquan organized a peasant army. • Wanted all Chinese to share in wealth (beginnings of Communism). • Hong’s army fought against Qing imperial troops and foreign armies (British and French). • 20 + million died.
Foreign Influence in China • China’s internal problems led to an attack of nations. • Sphere of Influence in China: -British, French, German, Japan, Russia - nations controlled trade & investment • 1899- U.S. was worried other nations would formally colonize China and shut out U.S. trade. U.S. declared an Open Door Policy. - China to be open to all merchants - Secured U.S. trading rights in China
Boxer Rebellion • Boxers- peasants/workers that resented special privileges for foreigners (like the British) • Formed a secret organization • Society of Harmonious Fists • Slogan- “Death to the Foreign Devils” • Defeated by a multinational force • Led to Chinese Nationalism: China realized it needed to reform in order to survive.
Japan • Early 1800s, Japan had little contact with other nations. • However, foreign nations continually tried to convince Japan to trade. • In 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry arrived in Japan with a message/letter: • Open trade with the US or the US will come back with a fleet of ships and force trade. • Japan opened 2 ports to the US and allowed a US Embassy.
Race to Modernization • Japanese were upset about foreign influence – feared they were losing control. • 1867- Emperor Mutsuhito realized the best way to oppose foreign influence is to modernize and reform. • 1867-1912 known as the Meiji Era. • By 1890, Japan had become the strongest military in Asia. • Japan began to imperialize.