Imperialism in ChinaMr. McEntarfer – Global History

Aim: How did European imperialism affect China?

• Do Now: What is the message of this political cartoon– People – Expressions– Activities – Words– Symbols

Isolationism

• China traditionally rejected outside influences and kept foreign ideas, technology and influences out. This was the purpose of China’s Great Wall.

• The famous Chinese explorer Admiral Zheng He was called back by the Chinese government because he brought back foreign influences such as Islam

How did the policy of isolationism hurt China and make vulnerable to western imperialists

Opium Addiction• For years Britain had nothing to trade for the

prized goods of China (silk, porcelain, spices) After Britain imperialized India they began to trade opium to the Chinese. Opium was an addictive drug that Britain could easily trade for Chinese goods. One Chinese official sent a letter to Queen Victoria.

“I have heard that smoking opium is strictly forbidden in your country. Why do you let this evil drug be sent to

harm people in other countries?”

Opium War

• China attempted to force Britain to stop selling opium in their country. The conflict resulted in several sea battles in which the Chinese were soundly defeated.

Judging from the following picture why did the Chinese lose the Opium War’s with Britain?

Treaty of Nanjing• After a humiliating defeat China was

forced to sign the treaty of Nanjing. According to the terms China had to allow the sale of opium and grant Britain extraterritorial rights.

Spheres of Influence

Activity: Read pages 336-337 and answer the following questions

1. Why was nineteenth century China far less powerful that it appeared to the Europeans?

2. What was the Chinese attitude toward Europeans?

3. Why did China go to war with England in 1839?4. How was China affected by the war with

England?5. Why did many Chinese people become upset

with their government? How was the Taiping Rebellion an attempt to bring changes to China?

Summary Question.

The Boxer Rebellion

• What act by the Dowager Empress helped cause the Boxer Rebellion?

• On which group did the Boxers focus their attention?

Describe the cartoonists point of view in

both cartoons