China Resists Imperialism

What were the causes of the Opium Wars?

The Opium Wars• Since China was very self sufficient there was little trade with the

West• Any trade involved silk & tea for silver which favored China• Britain wanted to change this trade policy, so it favored the West• Britain brings technology gifts to China, Chinese are unimpressed• So, the British brought opium from India to China

Poppy Plant

• 12 million Chinese were hooked on the drug – Chinese Qing Emperor tries to ban opium• Emperor’s advisor complains to Britain’s Queen Victoria

Stop selling

drugs to our people!

Deal with it!

• Queen ignores them and Britain continues trading in Opium• China tries to destroy British opium and Britain goes to war “Opium Wars”• The Chinese Navy would be no match for the British Navy• As a result of losing the war, China gives Britain the island of Hong Kong and extraterritorial rights (foreigners not subject to Chinese Law)

• Because of the loss, even more Chinese began to dislike foreigners• Rebellions break out against the Qing Government for not

protecting China • In 1830, Hong Xiuquan forms a peasant army and attacks the Qing

Govt.• Hong’s movement is called the Taiping Rebellion• Qing troops have to fight with British and French troops to defeat Hong’s army – 20 million+ killed in rebellion• Qing Govt. was now in debt to the west so China began changing to many western methods/more trade• European countries & Japan begin to compete to bring China under their Sphere of Influence (exclusive rights)• Fearing another “Scramble for Africa”, the US negotiates the open door policy, which allowed all nations trade with China• The new Qing Emperor wants to end policy & resist foreign influence• He is quickly replaced by former Empress who expands foreign influence•Many Chinese were angry and began to revolt during the Boxer Rebellion•Although the Boxers were beaten, China knew it must reform – elections & Const. Monarchy urged!