1. “China Responds to Pressure from the West”
Chapter 12.1
“China Responds to Pressure from the West”

2. Setting the Stage
18th Century – China was stable, secure empire with thousand year-old traditions
The Chinese looked down upon all foreigners
When an English ambassador brought gifts to the emperor in 1793 as an attempt to open talks with China, the emperor rejected the offerings

3. + + =
We don’t want your strange objects (trinkets/gadgets)

4. Chinese Products in High Demand
Food – Rice (native) & maize, sweet potatoes, peanuts (imported from the Americas). More food = more people.
Mined Products – salt, tin, silver, iron, ore
Manufactured goods – cotton, porcelain
 The Chinese were self-sufficient with a growing economy and population

5. Quick Write
Why might the Chinese be opposed to opening up trade with other countries?

6. Tea & Opium China was closed to trade except for in one port city
China exported (sold to the British) massive amounts of tea each year = $$$$!
In return, the British were permitted to sell some cheap goods in China, which drained the British silver supply
The British began selling opium to the Chinese as a cash crop

7. Opium Was used in Chinese medicine as a pain reliever
The British smuggled it into China and sold it as a “recreational drug”
12 Million Chinese citizens became addicted to smoking opium

8. Opium War
The Chinese Emperor was furious that opium was destroying the country and demanded that the Brits stop selling it
The British and the Chinese went to war over the sale of opium; the Chinese lost and signed a treaty which granted
the British rights to
Hong Kong and granted
foreigners exemption
from Chinese laws
in several port cities.

9. THINK – PAIR – SHARE
The sale of opium was not allowed in Britain. That is to say, the British could not buy their own cash crop for “recreational use” because the British government recognized that opium is a dangerous and destructive product.
How do you think opium dealers justified the sale of such a dangerous product in China?
To what extent do people still justify the sale of damaging products today?

10. Problems in China Food shortages Flooding Deteriorating infrastructure
Corrupt government
Discouraged population addicted to opium
The people decided to rebel against their government, the Qing Dynasty

11. Taiping Rebellion “Great Peace” rebellion
Hong Xiuquan wanted all Chinese people to share China’s wealth – no one would have to live in poverty
~1 million peasant soldiers joined the rebellion fought and gained control of a sizeable southeastern region
Eventually the Qing & allies regained control (destroyed farmland,14 years, and 20 million+ casualties later…)

12. Taiping Rebellion

13. Taiping Rebellion: The Aftermath
After the rebellion (and other smaller rebellions), China felt pressure to make reforms
The Dowager Empress was reluctant to give up traditional values, but made “self strengthening” reforms: focus on education, diplomacy, manufacturing military arsenals
Reforms met luke-warm reception: slight morale boost, but materials were imported for manufacturing

14. Taking Advantage of China
Since China was weak, many nations looked to take advantage (e.g., gain territory, resources)
Many western countries grabbed hold of China and exerted power over the economy (controlled trade and investment)
China eventually became open to trade from all countries (by force)

15. The Boxer Rebellion
The Dowager Empress arrested her nephew, executed leaders, and reversed reforms made without her permission
Chinese people had finally had enough misery and unfair treatment
“Boxers” seized a European section of the city – “Death to foreign devils”
New sense of nationalism and need for reforms