1. Western influence had unpredictable effects on Chinese culture and politics. In 1851, a man named Hong Xiuquan launched a rebellion against the Qing Dynasty. He claimed to be Jesus’ younger brother, and that he would establish a Heavenly Kingdom of Great Peace.
It took the Qing government 15 years to put down the Taiping Rebellion. The British government took advantage of the local unrest, winning additional trade rights in the Second Opium War in 1856.
How did Hong get these ideas?
Why would this idea appeal to some Chinese people?

2. By the late 1800s, China had been carved up into 5 spheres of influence.
Explain spheres of influence.

3. The United States wanted an Open Door Policy, allowing any nation to trade at any Chinese port, but the imperial powers maintained control over their own spheres.
Why would the US want an Open Door Policy?
Why would the imperial powers oppose the Open Door Policy?
How do you think Chinese people viewed the Open Door Policy?

4. Many Chinese people resented all foreign influence and power in China
Many Chinese people resented all foreign influence and power in China. A group called the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists in Chinese, known as the Boxers in English, began attacking foreign elements in Chinese society – railways, mines, churches. The Boxer Rebellion took place in 1900.
Why did the Boxers resent economic improvements such as railways and mines?

5. Chinese Christians and Christian missionaries were particular targets during the Boxer Rebellion.
Why do you think this was?

6. What factors led the foreigners to unite against the Boxers?
Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia Japan and the United States united against the Boxers, crushing the rebellion and occupying Beijing with foreign troops. The imperial powers imposed heavy fines on the Chinese, humiliating Chinese nationalists.

7. Over time, however, Chinese nationalism was impossible to contain
Over time, however, Chinese nationalism was impossible to contain. After the failure of the Boxer Rebellion, Sun Yat-Sen founded the Chinese Nationalist Party, known as the Kuomintang in Chinese. Sun Yat-Sen himself had been influenced by Western ideas. He lived in the United States, went to school in Hawaii and in British Hong Kong.
“The Chinese people have only family and clan groups; there is no national spriit. Consequently, … we are the poorest and weakest state in the world. If we do not earnestly promote nationalism and weld together… we face a tragedy – the loss of our country and the destruction of our race.”
Compare and contrast with other nationalist leaders.

8. In 1912 the Kuomintang overthrew the Qing Dynasty and proclaimed the Republic of China.
Use the definition of nationalism to explain the Chinese Republic

9. The Kuomintang’s philosophy was “Three Principles of the People”
Political unification and and end to foreign influence
A gradual change to democratic government with full personal rights and liberties for all Chinese people
Economic improvements that included industrialization and a more equal distribution of land
Explain how this fits in with nationalist ideas.

10. The Kuomintang’s goal was unification and an end to foreign influence, but the nationalist movement split in 1926.
Chiang Kai-Shek and the Nationalists fought a civil war against Mao Zedong and the Communists.
The two teamed up to fight against Japanese invasion in World War II, but remained enemies throughout.

11. In 1949, Mao Zedong declared the People’s Republic of China
In 1949, Mao Zedong declared the People’s Republic of China. Chiang Kai-Shek moved the Republic of China to the island of Formosa, known as Taiwan. To this day, both governments claim to be the legitimate rulers of all China.