Chinas Decline

Chinas DeclineFrom Great Voyages to Great Destruction

Zheng Hes Voyages 1405-1433

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K54hxWTlEZo&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active

The Middle KingdomDuring Zheng Hes time, China was truly the Middle KingdomIt was on the forefront of technology, exploration, philosophy, and was arguably the most successful empire of the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries.As a method of comparison, Zheng Hes fleet carried 28,000 troops and between 50-300 ships across Asia over 60 years before Columbus sailed 3 ships and 90 men across the Atlantic

Chinese Technology

So how do we go from this

To this?

No one reasonJust like any major change in civilizations, no one change can be responsible for Chinas declineIt was a combination of many factors including:Europes improvementChinas Economic declineCorruptionTradeLack of innovationEuropean interferenceDifferences in Chinese and Western PhilosophyCorruption

The Chinese Examination System was one of the most important aspects of Chinese culture.

It created a meritocracy in which people had a fair shot of becoming an official and becoming wealthy.

Over time, the examination system became more and more corrupt which led to more and more incapable officials.

This in turn disillusioned Chinese peasants to the fairness of the Chinese way of life.The Tribute SystemWhile Europe was entering an age of competition and mercantilism, Chinas main method of trade was a system of tribute.By demanding tribute from neighbors, China did not show interest in new technology and did not compete.Because of this, China did not advance like its European competitors.

Who really needs a giraffe?The benefits of tradeTrade is a crucial part of advancing a culture. Instead, China turned inward and refused to trade believing that everything the empire needed could be created within its borders.http://app.discoveryeducation.com/search?Ntt=opium+war

Lack of innovationWhile China invented and developed the compass, paper, gunpowder, the clock, silk, porcelain, drilling technology, paper money, and a number of advanced technologies, they failed to truly utilize and improve them.Instead, moveable printed type, rifle technology, the pocket watch, and other advanced ideas were developed in EuropeBut why?

Philosophical DifferencesWhy China and the Western world developed at different speeds essentially comes down to two main ideas about development.Chinese vs. Western philosophiesTrade and CompetitionTrade and competition drove the small states in Europe to develop, while China did not. Perhaps more importantly, Chinese and Western perspectives on society and advancement were crucial in how society functioned.

PhilosophyChineseWesternLegalism do not question things and leadersthe perfect past the ideal society is developing perfect relationships in the Confucian mannerThe Dynastic systemVery little long term changeThings ought to stay the sameSocratic method answer lifes questions through inquirythe future looking forward to find opportunityRenaissance and ReformationThe Scientific RevolutionThe French RevolutionChange in societyConsequences - When Europeans began trade with China things could not have been better for the Middle Kingdom.China had lots of tea and porcelain for EuropeEurope had to have silver to pay themForeigners were only allowed to trade in one city Canton, now called Guangzhou.Europe needed a way to balance things out or else lose all its silver a breach of mercantilist doctrine

Opium

England quickly learned that China could be sold a new product OpiumDerived from the poppy plant and grown on huge tracts of land in British India, Opium was an addictive drug which quickly pervaded Chinese societyThis led to an expanding trade deficit as well as a further corrupting influence on Chinese society.It was devastating to the Chinese government and they were hard pressed to stop it.OPIUM WAREHOUSE IN INDIA, c. 1850

WAR!!!Left with little diplomatic options (Europe was not about to stop selling a highly profitable product) in 1839 the Qing Dynasty tried to defeat the Europeans militarily.

Defeat

Facing superior firepower and advanced technology, the Chinese navy was no match for English gunboats. The government was forced to sign a number of humiliating treaties.In 1857, a second Opium War was fought and again China decisively lost.More treaties followedUnequal TreatiesThese treaties, known as the unequal treaties led to the opening of China to new trade.It also carved China into spheres of influence and granted extra-territorial rights to foreign citizens.

Unequal Treaties - TianjinAll of China opened to European tradeAnd missionariesEuropean powers demand spheres of influence where they dominate.

Territorial LossesWith much of China carved into spheres of influence, other countries took land by force. Japan annexed Formosa (Taiwan) and had eyes on Korea and Manchuria, while Russia took large parts of Northern China including Vladivostok and the Ussuri Territory

Further destabilization of the Qing dynasty: Tai ping rebellion 1851-1866

Hong Xiuquan claimed to be Jesus younger brother.

TAIPING ARMY(600,000 men, 500,000 women)FanaticalDisciplined Devoted(willing to die without hesitation in God's cause against demonic forces.) (www.wsu.edu:8080/)BELIEFS (know 2):One God: ChristianCorrect evils of Chinese societyMonogamyLand reformEquitable taxationPublic ownershipABOLISH EVILS (2):Foot-bindingSlaveryProstitutionArranged marriagesGamblingOpiumTobaccoAlcoholPolygamy

GOAL:Establish The Kingdom of Heavenly Peace: ChristianityPeace & prosperityAll citizens brothers & sistersTARGETS:Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian idols & temples destroyedGovernment:CorruptInefficientWEST INTERVENES IN TAIPING REBELIONWanted to protect ___________Allied w/Qing Dynasty (1860)Foreign troops sent to crush rebellion:BritishMixed European AmericanSIGNIFICANCE:Qing Dynasty further weakened Increased power of foreign nations in ChinaLed to increased FOREIGN presencePeasants lifestyle became poorer Increased taxesCorrupt officialsThe road to revolutionWeakness against growing international power would soon combine with new problems for Imperial ChinaDevastating floodsWestern IdeasNationalismRebellionIt looked like the dynastic system itself was about to lose the Mandate of Heaven

Empress Cixi

THE STONE BOATBOXER REBELLIONSociety of Harmonious Fists, dedicated to ending foreign influence.European and American forces end rebellion in two months.Empress suspected of supporting rebels.

Dr. Sun Yat-sen

1911 Revolution just happens