“We Are Not Alone . . .” - Imperialism

Encountering the West: Japan & Siam

Opium War: China’s Weaknesses Exposed

China’s Weaknesses Exposed

Under Pressure!

The Same, But

Different

CHINA

FRANCEBRITAIN

We’re an island!

“It’s All Asia. So It’s All the Same, Right?

JAPAN SIAM

Geography • isolated• exchange via mainland

Future• “Thanks, Tokugawa!”• reluctant = debate

Motivation• REWRITE TREATIES!

Geography • surrounded • varied exchange

Future• proactive!• “Us, or them?”

Motivation• “independence”

“What’s Going On?”

Why are Europeans intruding?• interest in foreign goods• need raw materials• desire new markets• indirect rule• outright control

How can they justify it?• survival of the fittest• racism• “White Man’s Burden”

“In a Perfect World . . .”

What would limit the Europeans (Siam) OR make them change their minds (Japan)?

C I V I L I Z A T I O N

“The foreigners keep extending their influence until empires belong to them,” King Rama IV

C I V I L I Z A T I O N

• “Western-like”• “accepted” norms• personal rights• technology/science

• organized government• self-defense• follow international law• interpersonal law

UNEQUAL TREATIES!UNEQUAL TREATIES!UNEQUAL TREATIES!

These impose civilization – in

a VERY self-serving way!

C I V I L I Z A T I O N

(Siam) Bowring Treaty (1855): extraterritoriality, control customs duties, removeSiamese royal trade monopoly

(Japan) Treaty of Kanagwa (1859): ports free of govt. interference, control customs duties, extraterritoriality, foreigners live & work in ports