Ming/Qing China China resists outside influence AGE OF IMPERIALISM

Ming Dynasty  In 1405, Emperor Yonglo launched the first of 7 voyages of exploration.  Hoped to impress the world with the power and splendor of Ming China. He also wanted to expand China’s tribute system  A Chinese Muslim admiral named Zheng He (jung huh) led all 7 voyages.  Almost resembled a floating city – crews would number 27,000 on some voyages.  Distributed gifts including silver and silk to show Chinese superiority. As a result, more than 16 countries sent tribute to the Ming court.  Suddenly, in 1433, China withdrew into isolation

Why was China isolated?  First, the idea of commerce offended China’s Confucian beliefs.  Second, Chinese economic policies traditionally favored agriculture.

Qing Dynasty  In 1644, Ming Dynasty collapsed and the Manchus began their reign as the Qing Dynasty  Continued policy of isolation. If foreign states wished to trade with China, they would have to follow Chinese rules: 1) trading only at special ports, and 2) paying tribute  Dutch agreed, British did not “There is nothing we lack, as your principal envoy and others have themselves observed. We have never set much store on strange or ingenious objects, nor do we need any more of your country’s manufactures.” – Qian-Long, from a letter to King George III of Great Britain

Qing Dynasty  Out of pride for their native culture, Chinese looked down on all foreigners.  China was able to reject offers of gifts from the West because it was largely self-sufficient. China had a healthy agricultural economy  European merchants were determined to find a product the Chinese would buy in large quantities. Eventually, they found one….

The Opium Wars  The growing supply of opium caused great problems for China. The emperor’s son died from an opium overdose.  British refused to stop trading opium despite pleas from the Chinese. The result was an open clash between the British and Chinese – The Opium War of  China was humiliated. In 1842, the two countries signed a peace treaty – the Treaty of Nanjing. The treaty gave British the island of Hong Kong. It also gave foreign citizens extraterritorial rights. Foreigners were not subject to Chinese law at specific ports. Many Chinese greatly resented the foreigners and the bustling trade in opium they conducted.

Internal Problems  Growing population: Grew to 430 million by 1850, a 30% gain in only 60 years.  Food production barely increased. Hunger widespread.  Many people became discouraged, opium addition widespread.  As problems mounted, Chinese began to rebel against Qing Dynasty.  Taipeng Rebellion

Foreign influence grows  The Taipeng Rebellion and several other smaller uprisings put tremendous internal pressure on the Chinese government.  Throughout the 19 th century, many foreign nations took advantage of the situation and attacked China. Treaty negotiations after each conflict gave these nations increasing control over China’s economy.  Sphere of Influence – An area in which the foreign nation controlled traded and investment. Many European powers and Japan gained a strong foothold in China.  Open Door Policy - Proposal by the U.S. that China’s “doors” be opened to merchants of all nations.

An Upsurge in Chinese Nationalism  Humiliated by their loss of power, many Chinese pressed for strong reforms.  China’s young emperor, Guangxu, introduced measures to modernize China.  Many Qing officials saw measures as threats to their power; reversed reforms.  Widespread frustration grew and finally erupted into violence: The Boxer Rebellion  A strong sense of nationalism had emerged in China. The Chinese people realized that their country must resist more foreign intervention.