[Old NCERT World History Ch1 ] Imperialism _ Colonization_ China, Japan, Asia, Boxer Rebellion, Open Door Policy, Sphere of Influence « Mrunal

[World History] Imperialism & Colonization: China, Japan, Asia, Boxer Rebellion, Open Door policy,Sphere of influence

China: Opium Wars, Boxer rebellion, ImperialismThe opium Wars

1st Opium war

The Treaty of Nanjing (Nanking)

2nd Opium War

Treaties of Tianjin

1st Sino Japan War

Sphere of Influence

United States: Me too Policy

Boxer Rebellion

Japan: an imperialist PowerMeiji Restoration

Anglo-Japanese Alliance

Russo-Japanese War

Asia: South and South EastBurma

Indochina

Indonesia

Malaysia and Singapore

Sri Lanka

Thailand / Siam

Philippines

Asia: Central and WesternAnglo Russian agreement (1907)

Afghanistan

Tibet

Iran/Persia

Western Asia

Mock Question

ok so far, We were looking @Class 10 (Old NCERT), Story of civilization volume II, Chapter 9, Imperialism andColonialism. That chapter revolves around subtopics:

1. Meaning of ImperialismAlready covered under previous article. click me

2. Conditions that helped growth of Imperialism

3. Conquest of Asia Asia being covered in the present article.

4. Conquest of Africa, Americas and the Pacific.Well see them later in a separate articles.

5. Effects of Imperialism.

China: Opium Wars, Boxer rebellion, Imperialism

HOMEHOME HISTORYHISTORY JUNE 21ST, 2013JUNE 21ST, 2013 76 COMMENTS76 COMMENTS

Semi-colonization of China

The opium War s

The imperialist domination of China begin with the opium WarsBefore these opium Wars, only two Chinese ports were open to foreign traders.China was already a prosperous civilization that had invented paper, printing and gunpowder. There was no demand for Britishgoods in China.So the British had to pay back in gold and silver for importing Chinese tea, silk, jade(jems) and porcelain(Chini mitti ke bartan).This Led to trade deficit for Britain (And recall the mercantilism policy- Europeans preferred export over imports. Wealth of acountry was measured in gold and silver.)So, British merchant started smuggling opium from India into China on a large scale, to cover up for their cost of importingChinese goods.

East India Companys role opium trade

In India, the British East India Company had established a monopoly on opium cultivation.But due to Chinese ban on opium, the East India Company did not carry the opium itself.Instead, they used country tradersi.e., private traders licensed by the company to take goods from India to China.The country traders sold the opium to smugglers along the Chinese coast for gold and silver.In China the East India company used the same gold and silver (from illegal opium trade) to purchase Chinese tea, silk and othergoods, sold them in England @higher price=truckload of profit.

Thus, the illegal opium trade was profitable to British but it did immense physical and moral damage to the Chinese.

1st Opium war

Finally Chinese government officials seized an opium cargo and destroyed it. Britain declared war (first Opium war) and easily defeatedthe Chinese. Result?=>

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The Treaty of Nanjing (Nanking)

According to this treaty of Nanjing

1. China was forced to pay fines to British for war damages.2. Hong Kong was given to Britain3. China had to open five port cities to the British traders.4. Chinese government was no longer free to impose tariffs on the foreign goods

Extraterritorial rights clause

The British subjects in China were answerable only to British law, even in disputes with Chinese! (Recall similar issue in India- the IlbertBill.)

MFN (Most Favored nation clause)

Whenever any nation extracted a new privilege from China, that privilege was extended automatically to Britain!

2nd Opium War

Soon, England and France fought another war with China, on the pretext that a French missionary had been murdered. (2nd Opiumwar, aka Arrow war). Result?=>

Treaties of Tianjin

1. Freedom of movement for Christian missionaries.2. residence in Beijing for foreign envoys3. the opening of several new ports to Western trade and residence4. right of foreign travel in the interior of China5. China was defeated again and was forced to grant even more privileges to the winners. By the end of 1860s, China had to open 14

ports to Foreigners.

1st Sino Japan War

For centuries Korea was a tributary state of China.but Japan was trying increase her influence over Korea. Why?

Korea is strategically located opposite the Japanese islandsKoreas natural resources of coal and iron

This ultimately leads to War between Japan and China.Experts had believed that China would win, given its bigger military. But Japan won thanks to its adopted western militarytechnology.

Result?=>

1. China had to recognize Korea as an independent state.2. China had to give away Formosa, Taiwan and part of Southern Manchuria to Japan.3. China was forced to pay about $150 million to Japan for war damages.

Sphere of Influence

Now, China had to pay war damages to Japan, but she did not have enough ca$h.So, France, Russia, Britain and Germany agreed to give loans to China.but in return, these Western countries divided China into sphere of influenceSphere of influence = each Western country had certain regions of China reserved exclusively for its purpose only. (Exclusiverights to build railway, mines etc. in that region).for example, Britain had exclusive rights over Yangtze valley, and only Russia had the right to build railoads in Manchuria.This division of China into spheres of influence has been often described as the cutting of the Chinese melon

United States: Me too Policy

After the economic depression of the 1890s, USA needed foreign trade to boost its economy.In China, the American textile manufacturers had found markets for cheap cotton goods.But United States feared that China would be completely parceled out to France, Russia, Germany and Britain, because of thosespheres of influences.Therefore United States suggested the policy known as Open door policy (also known as me too policy.)

According to this policy, all countries would have equal right to make trade anywhere in China.

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Britain supported United States in this policy, thinking that it would discourage the annexation of China by Japan or Russia.Because Japan and Russia could easily send their armies to Chinese mainland.

Boxer Rebellion

Chinese people was unhappy because of following:

1. Economic Exploitation by Western powers.2. The extraterritorial right granted to foreigners3. Chinas humiliating defeats in Opium wars and against Japan.4. Corruption, inefficiency of their own royal government.5. they resented the work of Christian missionaries, blaming them for harming traditional Chinese ceremonies and family relations; +

missionaries pressured local officials to side with Christian converts in local lawsuits and property disputes.

This led to formation of a secret organization known as Yihetuan (Society of Righteousness and Harmony). The foreigners calledthem Boxers.

Boxers blamed foreigners for all the ills in China. They started seizing /destroying properties of foreigners, Christian missionariesand Chinese converts.The movement took form of a violent rebellion.

Although the Boxers were officially denounced, they were secretly supported by many of the royal court.

British, French, Japanese, Russian, German, and Americans sent their troops to curb this rebellion. Ultimately the military might ofwestern powers crushed the Chinese rebellion.

Result?=> Western powers got following:

1. Fines from China for a period of 40 years2. More trade concessions3. Right to station their troops in Beijing.

Epilogue China

After the failure of boxer rebellion, Imperialism continued with the cooperation from Chinese warlords.Foreign powers bought these military commanders by giving loans and in exchange the warlords granted even more privileges tothe foreign powers.Thus in a period of few decades, China had been reduced to a status of an international colonyAlthough China was not conquered or occupied by any imperialist country, but the effect of these developments in China weresame as any other areas which were formally colonized.although there are some fine differences:

India China

Colonization was Direct andabsolute.

indirect control over the politics,economy and society without taking on the onus for rulingthe country= semi-colonization.

Britain gained the monopoly ofcontrol over India.

no single imperial power had a monopoly of control. China was simultaneously exploited bymany powers

Japan: an imperialist Power

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In 1850s, United States sent warships under Commodore Perry, and forced the Japanese to open their country for the Americanshipping and trade. (this is known as Gun-boat diplomacy)later, Japan made similar agreements with Britain, Holland, France and Russia.But Japan itself became an Imperialist country after the Meiji Restoration.

Meiji Restoration

It was a political revolution under which the erstwhile Tokugawa shogunate (feudal-military government) was replaced with a newimperial government under the Emperor Meiji.

Japan adopted the slogan wealthy country and strong arms and sought to create a nation-state capable of standing equal amongWestern powers.

Following reforms were undertaken by Meiji government:

1. Government shifted from Edo to Tokyo2. A national constitution, bicameral parliament (diet).3. Dismanted of the old feudal regime and introduced prefecture system of administration.( Perfecture = Type of very vast -4. Administration was centralized Municipality)5. Modern civil service bureaucracy was setup.6. Modern banking and fiscal system.7. Modern industrial enterprises; railroad, telegraphs.8. Universal primary education9. Modern army and navy and adopted western military technology.

Thus, within a few decades, Japan became one of the most industrialized countries in the world.

But Japan has few raw materials to support her industries. So she also wants new lands for raw material and market for her finishedgoods. Result?=>

1. Japan also started her imperialist expansion.2. China provided ample opportunities for Japans imperialist designs. We already saw how Japan defeated China in the first Sino-

Japanese war.

Anglo-Japanese Alliance

between Britain and Japanto assist one another in safeguarding their respective interests in China and KoreaIt was a cornerstone of British and Japanese policy in Asia until after World War I.How did Japan benefit from it?

This alliance recognized Japan as a power of equal standing with great European powers.

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In the Russo-Japanese War, France (ally of Russia) did not intervene, fearing that Britain would intervene from Japans side.This helped Japan win the war.

Russo-Japanese War

Recall under sphere of influence (in China), Russia was building railroads in Manchuria.But after first Sino-Japan war, China was defeated and it handed over certain parts of Southern Manchuria to Japan.Both Russia and Japan wanted to dominate Korea and Manchuria.=> ultimately, Russo-Japanese war. Russia is defeated. Result?=>President Theodore Roosevelt of the United States served as mediator between Russia and Japan and a peace treaty was signed.

1. Russia handed over Port Arthur and the South Manchurian railroad (which led to Port Arthur) to Japan.2. Russia gave half of Sakhalin Island to Japan.3. Russia agreed to evacuate southern Manchuria4. Russia recognized Japans control of Korea (ultimately in 1910, Korea became a colony of Japan)

Japan: Epilogue

Japans rise as an imperialist power shows that imperialism was not limited to any one region, religion or people.Imperialism was rather the result of greed for economic and political power which could distort the policy of any countryregardless of its race, culture or religion.When first world war started, Japan could look back with some pride that she too had become a great power and could expandfurther at the cost of China if the Western powers would only allow her.

Now lets briefly look over the colonization of other parts of

Asia: South and South East

Burma

in 1880, the King of Burma gave France the right to build a railway in his territoryBritish government feared French expansion and hence started a war with Burma.Burmese King was captured and sent to India.Thus, Burma was annexed and became a part of British Empire in 1886

IndochinaIndochina= Laos, Cambodia and VietnamFrance used a series of well-planned steps, including threats of war, and became the master ofIndochina.

Indonesia under Dutch control

Malaysia andSingapore

acquired by BritishThus British could control of all the trade from far east and whatever passed through Strait ofMalacca

Sri Lankait was occupied by the Portuguese, then by Dutch and finally by BritishEngland introduced and rubber plantation in Sri Lanka=they formed 7/8th of Sri Lankan exports

Thailand / SiamSandwiched between Indochina (French) and Burma (British).Although it remained independent state, both France and Britain exercised much power andauthority over its affairs.

Philippines

There was a revolt by Filipinos and Cubans against the Spanish rule.United States used this opportunity to join the imperialist game, and occupied both Cuba andPhilippines.later the Filipinos also revolted against American occupation, but were suppressed and Philippinesbecame an American possession

Asia: Central and Western

Both England and Russia wanted to control Central Asia, Iran, Afghanistan and Tibet.

2nd half of 19th Century: Russian annexed almost all of Central Asia.

Anglo Russian agreement (1907)

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between Russia and Britainon how to divide control of Iran, Afghanistan, and Tibet between them.

Part Under Anglo-Russian agreement

IranDivided Iran into Sphere of influence (similar to China)North Iran= Russia; Southern Iran= Britain; central Iran was neutral and open to both.

AfghanistanRussia agreed to recognize Afghanistan is being outside her influence.Britain agreed not to annex Afghanistan as long as Afghani ruler remained loyal to her.

Tibet both retain and Russia agreed not to interfere in the affairs of Tibet

lets check individual countries

Afghanistan

The British had a minor economic interest in Afghanistan, they were mainly worried about defending their crown jewel (India)against Russian expansion.Governor General Lord Auckland waged 1st Afghan war, to install a puppet regime in Afghanistan.With three Anglo-afghan wars, British learned that it is easy to overrun Afghanistan but very difficult of hold and occupy itpermanently, because of tribal-rebellions.1893: Durand Line

between Afghanistan and British India,marking their respective spheres of influence;in modern times it has marked the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

1907: Anglo-Russian AgreementRussia agreed to recognize Afghanistan is being outside her influence.Britain agreed not to annex Afghanistan as long as Afghani ruler remained loyal to her.

Tibet

1907: both retain and Russia agreed not to interfere in the affairs of Tibet1911: Chinese monarchy was overthrown and Tibet increasingly passed under British influence.

Iran/Persia

for both Britain and Russia, independent Iran was a convenient buffer area between the their empires.

Initially, both Russia and England setup banks in Iran to obtain economic control.1907: England and Russia reached the Anglo-Russian agreement for controlling Iran via sphere of influence:North Iran= Russia; Southern Iran= Britain; central Iran was neutral and open to both.Thus, a joint Anglo Russian supremacy was established over Iran.1917: Russian Revolution established a new Soviet government.The new Soviet government denounced the old Anglo Russian agreements and gave up her rights in Iran.After the discovery of oil, the British and American oil interests became more powerful in Iran.While Iran remained nominally independent, but under the domination of foreign oil companies from United States and England.

Western Asia

During these years, Germany was extending her influence over Turkey.A German company got concession to build a railway from Constantinople to Baghdad and the Persian Gulf.Through this railway, Germany wanted to promote her economic interests in the region onto Iran and India.France England and Russia opposed this, but an agreement was reached to divide the region among Germany, France andEngland.But First World War changed the situation.Germany and Turkey were defeated. The winners took away Germanys colonial possessions. thus Germany as an imperialistnation was completely eliminated from race in Asia and other parts of the world.

1. Syria,2. Palestine,3. Mesopotamia4. Arabia

They were under Turkish empire, butEngland and France took them away afterwinning first world war.

After discovery of Oil, the main objective of Imperialist countries = obtain oil and concessions to control oil resources in WesternAsia. (Main players: America, Britain and France)

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This concludes the colonial domination of Asia. Click on the following timeline to see how individual pieces fit together.

click to enlarge

Mock Question

1. Briefly explain the cause and consequences of the following events (5 marks each)I. The Opium wars

II. The Treaty of NanjingIII. The First Sino Japan WarIV. Boxer RebellionV. The First Russo-Japanese war

2. Write a note on following (5 marks each)I. Sphere of influence

II. Open Door policyIII. Gun-boat diplomacyIV. Meiji restorationV. Anglo-Japanese Alliance

VI. Anglo-Russian agreement3. Analyse the factors responsible for the Boxer rebellion. 12m4. Write a note on the cutting of the Chinese melon by Western powers. Explain how Sino Japanese war helped them? 12m5. Rise of Japan as an imperialist country. 12m6. Describe the power-struggle between Russia and British in Iran and Afghanistan. 12m7. Although China was not conquered or occupied by any imperialist country, but the effect of these developments in China were

same as any other areas which were formally colonized. Elaborate. 15m8. Whereas China with its incomparably greater human and material resources spent itself vainly in trying to expel foreign devils,

Japan, by embracing the West, not only retained its independence but became a world power in its own right. Comment 15m9. Imperialism was the result of greed for economic and political power which could distort the policy of any country regardless

of its race, culture or religion. Comment. 15m

Previous Posts

[Old NCERT World History ch12] (Part 2 of 2): Second World War, events, battles,

resistance movements

[Old NCERT World History ch12] (Part 1 of 2) Between Two world Wars, Nazism,

Fascism, The Great Depression

[Old NCERT World History ch11] Russian Revolution: Causes, Consequences,

Comintern

[Old NCERT World History ch10] First World War: Causes, Consequences, Treaty of

Versailles, Triple Alliance

[Old NCERT World History ch9] Imperialism, Colonization of Asia, Africa, Americas

[World History] Imperialism & Colonization: Africa, Scramble for colonies, Paper Partitions, Slave Trade, Boer War

[World History] Imperialism and Colonialism: Meaning, Factors responsible

76 comments to [World History] Imperialism & Colonization: China, Japan, Asia, Boxer Rebellion, OpenDoor policy, Sphere of influence

Older Comments 1 2

kumar.sReply to this comment

desperatley waiting 4 new article

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kumar.sReply to this comment

waiting 4 new article

mayurReply to this comment

sir plz give strategy of new syllabus we are eagerly waitng

santhuReply to this comment

just called as excellency

vkReply to this comment

SirPlease throw us some light whether one should study Statistics and data interpretation because its not clear whether UPSC will not ask thequestion from it or not.If one see closely the syllabus they have mentioned Aptitude in the new syllabus. The word aptitude has widerconnotation,it means they may ask Statistics and data interpretation along with many other aptitude topics.Even though you have mentionedthat they have removed the Statistics and data interpretation part.But i am still very confused whether to leave it or not.

Please guide me on this issue.

Thanks

kkReply to this comment

Is Mrunal dead? He is not posting anything since many days.

Siddharth jainReply to this comment

kk mind your comments respect the person who is publishing such nice articles for us

ChesterReply to this comment

Plzz do Respect Mrunals work Persistent Patience, a pathway conquer Civil Services. Hope u have that :-)

abhi sahaReply to this comment

hey you stupid foolish idiot.you nincompoop mind your comments..

AmritpalReply to this comment

Where to find des topics in detail. R dey in des old ncerts? Cnt find

RajuReply to this comment

Dear All,

It is regarding the prelims paper. In OMR answer sheet, I have blackened the wrong circle for the roll number. Although I have corrected itthrough whitener. But there was still mark white color ink left on the OMR sheet.

What should I expect, whether my answer sheet would be rejected or accepted ?

vigneshReply to this comment

Immediately call Imran Faird sir in UPSC and ask him what to do. Please dont delay it any further as results are due to come in July3rd week. So in all probability they will prepare the results soon and then start their checking, verification etc.

They may ask you to send a letter with your details or they may tell it is not an issue. If you are in delhi, visit UPSC and get thisresolved.

ram bihariReply to this comment

Can you please tell what is the number to call?for contacting Imran Fardi sir

vigneshReply to this comment

011 23387410. Its there in telephone directory in UPSC site

ram bihari

I called them they said ab kuch nahee ho sakta.they have already sent the answer sheet for evaluation

Ramu BanothReply to this comment

Mrunal sir

could you please explain the technology missions topic from paper -IV of civils mains

RajuReply to this comment

Thanks Vignesh.I have talked to Faird sir. He said that there is no need to worry as in cases if any conflict comes in computer scanning of roll no. in OMRsheet and actual roll no. as per serial number of OMR sheet then manual checking is being done of the roll no.

FasilReply to this comment

Sir, As Im from engineering background I found it very difficult to understand geography. It would be a great help if you can providegeography notes. Thank you

Older Comments 1 2