APWH

• Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864):

  • Major Chinese rebellion caused by widespread discontent with the Qing Dynasty's rule, social, economic, and religious factors
  • Led by Hong Xiuquan who claimed to be the younger brother of Jesus and aimed to create a perfect society based on his understanding of Christianity
  • Gained support from lower classes unhappy with the government
  • Led to a long and destructive civil war, highlighting the weakness of the dynasty
• Opium Wars:

  • Two conflicts between western powers and China due to China's attempts to control the importing of foreign goods, mainly opium
  • Commissioner Lin Zexu played a significant role in ending the opium trade, leading to the wars
  • First Opium War resulted in the Treaty of Nanking where the British punished China for holding their soldiers and property hostage
  • Second Opium War further humiliated China
  • Transition from "Middle Kingdom" to "informal empire" resulted in loss of sovereignty and power
• Boxer Rebellion (1898-1901):

  • Violent movement in northern China against foreigners and Chinese Christians
  • Led by groups like the Boxers or the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists
  • Resulted in military intervention by Western powers and Japan, leading to heavy penalties on China
• Self-strengthening in China:

  • Movement focused on internal reform applying Confucian principles and limited borrowing from the West
  • Aimed to enhance China's military and industrialization while preserving Confucian values
  • Response to internal and external challenges against China
• Meiji Restoration in Japan:

  • Civil war leading to legal reforms and industrialization
  • Dramatic change dismantling the old social order
  • Selective borrowing from the West, including a constitution from Germany
  • State-guided industrialization and promotion of large-scale industry
  • Improved possibilities for women but no political rights granted
• Anglo-Japanese Treaty, 1902:

  • Signified Japan becoming a global superpower
  • Military victories and empire building showcasing modern military power
  • Admiration from the colonial world as a symbol of standing up to the West