☰ Contents · World history

China: from a semi-colony to a republic

Lessons 27–28 · 2 lessons · M. Lafasov, U. Jo‘rayev, E. Xoliqov, D. Qodirova. Jahon tarixi (World history), Grade 9, revised 3rd edition. “O‘qituvchi” Publishing House, Tashkent, 2014
27

China at the end of the 19th century

Textbook: pp. 94–96
GoalExplain how China became a semi-colony in the late 19th century, the spheres of influence and the Yihetuan (Boxer) uprising.
New words
semi-colony: formally independent but largely controlled by foreign powers · yarimmustamlakasphere of influence · ta’sir doirasiYihetuan: “Righteous and Harmonious Fists”, known as the Boxers · Ixetuanintervention: forcible interference by foreign states · intervensiya
Explanation

At the end of the 19th century China was a backward agrarian country ruled by the Qing (Manchu) dynasty: land was held by big owners, most peasants were tenants and industry grew slowly. The first railway opened in 1881, but railways, mines and much of trade were in foreign hands and China became their source of raw materials. The cash-strapped government made harsh agreements with foreign states: the 1876 convention with Britain opened new ports and gave Britain trade privileges; in 1884 China recognised the French protectorate over Vietnam. After defeat in the war with Japan in 1894–1895 the great powers divided spheres of influence (1897–1898): Germany took Jiaozhou and Shandong, Russia Port Arthur, Britain Weihaiwei and the Yangtze basin, France Guangzhouwan. In 1899 the USA announced its “Open Door” policy. Against foreign influence a rising of the secret Yihetuan (Boxer) society broke out in 1899–1901; in June 1900 they entered Beijing. Eight states (Germany, Japan, Italy, Britain, the USA, France, Russia and Austria-Hungary) sent troops, took Beijing and in 1901 imposed heavy terms on China, including a large indemnity and the right to keep foreign troops there.

Worked examples
Table of spheres: Germany – Shandong; Russia – Port Arthur and the north; Britain – Yangtze basin and Weihaiwei; France – the south (Yunnan, Guangzhouwan); Japan – Fujian.
At first the Yihetuan opposed the Manchus, but their main slogan became “support the Qing, destroy the foreigners”; in 1900–1901 the rising was put down by the combined forces of eight states.
Class activity

“Map of China”: colour the spheres of influence on a map and mark Beijing, Port Arthur, Shandong and the Yangtze.

Practice
1
When did China’s first railway open?
2
When was the Yihetuan uprising and how many states acted against it?
3
Who announced the “Open Door” policy and when?
4
Why is China called a semi-colony?