China Wrestles with Reform

A. Taiping Rebellion Weakens China Chinese are angry over an extravagant court, political corruption, problems, with flooding, and overpopulation. Peasants decide to revolt. ◦ Taiping Rebellion ( )  Led by Hong Xiuquan  The government attempts to crush the rebellion but it lasts 14 years and ends with million deaths

B. Launching Reforms Empress Cixi attempts to modernize China with the “self-strengthening movement” This included the adoption of Western firearms, machines, scientific knowledge and training of technical and diplomatic personnel through the establishment of a diplomatic office and a college.

C. Sino-Japanese War Since 1775 China had allowed Japan to recognize Korea as an independent state. Then, as China tried to reassert influence over its former territory, this provoked rivalry with Japan. In a short lived war from China loses to Japan and reveals China’s weakness Korea became a Japanese protectorate

D. Other Nations Step In France, Germany, Russia, and later Japan all gain spheres of influence in China. The United States gets worried that they will lose trading privileges with China and ask for an open door policy: in which all nations would have equal trading and development rights throughout all of China

E. Failure of Reforms Hundred Days of Reform attempt to modernize China but fail Leads to the Boxer Rebellion ◦ Angry about Christian missionaries, failed reforms, and extraterritoriality Boxers also known as the ‘Society of Harmonious Fists’ begin a rebellion to kick out all foreigners ◦ The rebellion is stopped by the foreign powers.

The Boxer Rebellion The Boxer Rebellion