How did imperialism affect the world? (Part 2) Notes #21

After Britain refused to accept China’s ban on trading opium, Britain declared war on China in a series of conflicts called the Opium Wars. Opium Wars (1839 – 1860)

China was defeated by Britain, which indicated that China was not strong enough to resist foreign nations.

As a result of their defeat in the Opium Wars, China was forced to sign “unequal treaties” and divided into spheres of influence by foreign nations.

This was because foreign nations had superior military technology and forces. Maxim gun

The Chinese people attempted to remove foreign influences from China through revolts, such as the Boxer Rebellion, . . .

. . . but failed to do so and China remained under foreign control (until after World War II).

Japan’s policy of isolationism came to an end following the arrival of a fleet of U.S. warships, commanded by Commodore Matthew Perry.

This arrival also resulted in the development of trade between Japan and Western nations.

Soon after, Emperor Meiji was restored to power in Japan, bringing change to Japan . . .

. . . in a period called the Meiji Restoration, which was a movement toward modernization in Japan.

This period was prompted in part by Japan’s fear that it would be colonized by Western nations.

In an attempt to modernize Japan, the leaders of the Meiji government studied Western institutions and technology.

The Meiji Restoration resulted in the modernization of Japan’s industry and military, which led to the rise of Japan as an imperialistic nation, . . .

. . . as seen in its victories over China in the Sino-Japanese War and Russia in the Russo-Japanese War.