Modern China Midterm
British East India Company
(1600-The British granted the East India Company a monopoly on trade in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Sent representatives to set up trade in China. However, they were seen as tributaries in China and were shut down. Ultimately led to the establishment of the Canton System.
Nian Rebellion
(1851-1868) Developed in Huaibei region of North Central China. Rebels came from the White Lotus Rebellion, peasants fed up with harsh existence and unattached males. Nina bands who participated in rebel activities were banded together by natural disasters to create the rebellion. Zhang Luoxing was created the "leader" but captured in 1863. Two phases of the rebellion until 1866. Only rebellion that did not have a religious component. Use of guerrilla warfare and rapid mobilization made the rebellion hard to suppress. Not an attempt to attack Qing political and ideological legitimacy as it was an attempt in the Nian nest to cast away government authority. Zen Guofan tried but ultimately Li Hongzhang woe the rebels down by using Britain made guns and almost 5000 experienced calvary men from Manchuria and Inner Mongolia.
Tongzhi Restoration
(1862-1874) Named for the Tongzhi Emperor. Ci Xi and Prince Gong were regents. The Qing attempted to revitalize the government and the nation through a combinations of confucian morality and western technology. Through this came the Self Strengthening movement. Was caused by the Taiping Rebellion. Stalled the dynasty from failing.
Song Jiaoren
A longtime member of the Revolutionary Alliance. Sun named him to manage the party organization of the GMD. Hope to become prime minister. Was assassinated in 1912 and many believed it was Yuan Shikais doing. His assassination led to outrage among pro GMD and there was a revolt. This led to the GMD being banned thus betraying the revolution.
The Canton System
A procedure of trade and "barbarian" management developed in the 1750s and went until 1842 (Treaty of Nanking) Wanted to fit western merchants into traditional tributary state framework. Set up rules and regulations they had to follow. Example: Can't learn the Chinese language, had to pay in cash for purchases, can't go outside of Canton, etc.. If violated or problems arise the Chinese halted trade. Made trade difficult (because limited to Canton; transportation was difficult) but still flourished. "Macartney" mission for expansion failed. Anger from Britain escalated.
The New Policies Reform
Began in 1901.Last attempt to save the Qing dynasty. Born from the humiliation of the Boxer Uprising, Ci Xi realized she needed to reform to stay in power and fend off the west. Reforms in education (national school system, abolishing civil service exams- led to no longer have an official ideology of the state), military (modernize the military- set up academies, military became a way to power now), and set up constitutionalism (local and national assemblies, eventually will lead to a constitutional monarchy) However anti manchu bitterness set in and was a result from some of the reforms. Some saw the pace of reforms too slow. Eventually people saw the only way to save China was through Revolution.
Yuan Shikai
A very important military leader in China. Was the commander of the Northern Army under Qing. Was offered the presidency of the new Republic with the notion that he would support the political system and bring about the abdication of the Qing emperor. Once he became president he then went on to set up what many believed as his dictatorship. He outlawed the GMD and abolished all assemblies. Tried to blend the old and the new and was seen similarly as a self strengthener firmly rooted in traditional ways (Confucianism as a state religion). Tried to declare himself emperor (went against Sun Yat Sen's views) but quickly took it back. Signed the 21 Demands after Japan dropped the fifth group and many hated him for this- seen as National Humiliation Day (expanded Japanese influence). Is very hated among the Chinese people. When he died the government was not unified whatsoever and left with no successor chosen. Seen as the "father of the warlords" because after he died became unstable with warlords.
Treaty of Nanjing
Also known as the Unequal Treaty because China did all the giving and received nothing. The treaty was signed after the Opium War in 1842. The defeat was humiliating and considered a military disaster. Had to give Hong Kong to Britain. Also opened up four new ports for trade and foreign residence. Began to erode China's sovereignty. Paved the wave for other unequal treaties and unfair treatment such as favored nations and extraterritoriality.
Chen Duxiu
An intellectual from the May 4th Movement and creator of New Youth (famous for writing in the vernacular) journal where he emphasized the youth as China's saviors. Was against traditional values such as filial piety. Wanted to replaced traditional values with western ones such as science. Was in favor of more of a mass sweeping political action. Was initially towards liberal democracy but leads more towards socialism and marxism. One of the key components in the New Culture Movement Out of the May 4th Movement he met with a comintern and founded the CCP in 1921 with him as the leader which had the idea to rid the country of imperialists and warlords.
Hu Shi
An intellectual from the May Fourth Movement. Believed in pragmatism instead of a revolution. Had a distrust for large scale political movement. Strong proponents of the use of vernacular in New Youth. Attacked isms like Marxism and Leninism and thought they were too much an overarching solution. One of the intellects that brought a new perspective to how things should ne down, however it was widely rejected due to it requiring manu years to achieve. Political change comes first from cultural change.
Cai Yuanpei
Became chancellor of Beijing University in 1916. Wanted it to be a place of social/political/cultural change with the university having the crucial goal of creating sa new culture. Urged discussions and debates among intellectuals to form ideas about what to of about China's modern state. Brought many intellectuals such as Hu Shi, Chen Duxiu, and Li Dazhou to the university. He emphasized the youth and the creation of a new culture through intellectual thought. Set the stage for intellects to get involved.
The Blue Shirts
Began during the 1930.A clique from the Whampoa Military Academy under Chiang. The bonds he created were crucial. Was a source of power for Chiang. Saw fascism as a way to restore China. Were a dominant force in manu go Chiang's programs. Could be seen as a political institutional reaction against the May 4th Movement. Were in charge of political training in the army, government, and schools. Involved in public security operations and active in setting up people's militia units. Two major efforts were "Special Services"(intelligence gathering) and the "New Life Movement" Later became the Three Peoples Principles Youth Corps
Boxer Uprising
Began in the Shandong province. Ran from 1989-1901 Composed primarily of young farmers, laborers, and out-of-work drifters (also included Red Lanterns; women). Natural disasters (flood and drought) formed the context for the rise and spread. Wanted to revive Qing. Gave way to anti government feelings. Anti Christianity hostility also was a crucial cause of the uprising. Boxers attacked the proper and persons of Christian converts and missionaries. Began to attack and murder those with the beliefs. Instead of suppressing them Ci Xi supported them and eventually declared war on all eight foreign powers. Forces arrived in the capital and the empress fled. Foreign troops were out for revenge and many innocents were killed. In order to return Ci Xi had to sign the Boxer Protocol in 1901. Some of the things included were pro boxer officials must be murdered and much be called a rebellion (act against Ci XI). Most important an indemnity was put forth (450 million taels). The Qing dynasty now entered the 20th century in degradation, poverty, and humiliation. "Yellow Terror"
Spheres of Influence
Began when Germany demanded the Chinese to lease ports in Jiazhou Bay. Other Europeans scrambled for concessions; semi colonization. Led to a sense of crisis in China and needed intellectual reform. Foreign imperialism reached an all time high
The Three People's Principles
Created by Sun Yat Sen as the ideology of the GMD. (1) People's Nationalism: National unity with anti imperialism and anti warlordism (2) People's rights: Liberal constitution of democracy with separation of powers with 5 branches. Eventually led to elections (3) People's Livelihood: (Socialism) State would be committed to the well being of the people. Raising the standard of living through industrialization. Equalization of land ownership. Set up the basis of what Chiang Kai Shek would follow.
Sun Yat Sen
Creator of the Revolutionary Alliance (1905) in Japan in order to overthrow the Qing dynasty. This later became the GMD. Came up with the party's ideology with the Three People's Principle :Nationalism, Democracy, and Socialism. Formed relations with Russia through Adolf Joffe (Sun-Joffe Manifesto). And restructured the party with Borodin. Sun Yat Sen was a key component in the revolution and known as the father of modern china. Kept the party together through his charismatic charm. Named Chiang Kai Shek to head the military academy he set up. Later allowed Chiang to have power after he had died. Died in 1924. Became a symbol of patriotism and unfinished revolution
Hong Xiuquan
Creator of the Taiping Rebellion. Was born 1814 to a Hakka farmer. Took the civil service exams three times and failed; Handed a pamphlet on Christianity and after his illness took his hallucinations as he was the Chinese son of God and Chinese brother to Jesus. Ordered to slay demons. Interpreted the demons to be Confucian values/Manchus. Ideology completely went against confucian values: everyone was equal. The state was legitimized through a christian god and not the mandate of heaven.
The First United Front
Happened from 1923-1927. Was the collaboration of the CCP and GMD. They both believe in getting rid of the imperialists and warlords and also getting rid of the unequal treaties. Created a "bloc within" system. However many did not like this idea. Both parties had their own different means of accomplishing things (ex. CCP imperialists were the main goal, and GMD warlords were the main goal). After Suns death factions start to happen. Chiang turns more right and outlaws CCP in 1927 which leads to a massive war between them. Goes against Sun's unity in the end.
Rights Recovery Movement
Happened in 1911 and centered in Sichuan province. British said they could still import Opium into the country which angered many. Developed to win control over mines that were foreign owned and railroads that were foreign built and foreign controlled. Captured the attention of core society as a whole- people from all social classes joined (right to beggars). Also overseas Chinese helped and became an important group. Showed a since of nationalism which led to many social groups finding public voices - women. However restricted to macro regional cores. Huge gap with the peripheries. Led to madd discontent of the Qing dynasty, anti-Qing groups, and contributed to the 1911 Revolution.
What led to the massive outbreak of rebellion in the mid-nineteenth century? In what ways were these rebellions similar to previous peasant rebellions in China? How were they different? What do you think were the most significant outcomes of these rebellions?
Intro: - Taiping Rebellion - Panthea Rebellion - Nian Rebellion: - Muslim Rebellion:
Of the various challenges facing the Qing dynasty in the 19th century, which do you feel were most serious? Why?
Intro: - Growing Imperial Threats - Rebellions (1) Growing Imperial Threats - Opium smoking began in the 17th century; came to Britain's rescue. - An estimated 10% smoked Opium during this time period and a high amount of government and military officials took part in it. - Government tried to
Self-Strengthening Movement
Key supporters were Prince Gong and Wen Xiang as well as Zeng Guofan, Li Honghang, and Zuo Zongtang were the leaders. Keep Confucian values but improve industry/technology through western values. Western machinery is seen as culture neutral. However they're entering a new world where the old world will be challenged. Made improvements in military/education. Educational program,s were set up and students were sent abroad. Establishment of arsenals, shipyards, and machine shops. Studying abroad ultimately led the chinese to distrust the systems. Defeat at Fuzhou showed how ineffectual the movement was. Also political decision makers were not able to to willing to support the movement.
Taiping Rebellionn
Leader Hong Xiuquan. Largest civil war. Lasted from 1851-1864. Born in the Canton region following the Opium War. Grew from destabilization of the region and mistrust of Manchus through humiliating defeat and allowing "foreign devils" to be there. Followed the basic idea of equality of human beings before God. Has commune-like structure; seen as long haired bandits. Attacked Confucian values and Manchus. Nanjing became their capital. Faulted because disintegration of central leadership, bad blood between kings, commune-like systems were never put in some place, effort lost momentum. Most importantly military defeat by civil servants who were deeply committed to traditional Chinese culture such assign Guofan set up an army. Brought widespread destruction on the Yangzhi River Delta and huge death tolls. Destroyed the economy. Showed the weakness of Qing and the decentralized military.
Zeng Guofan
Most notable for his efforts during the Taiping Rebellion. He was rooted with traditional confucian values and had a degree from the civil service examinations. Created the Xiang army that ultimately led him to take the capital Nanjing and take down the rebellion. Wanted to protect his home province of Hunan. Known for his good character. Showed the weakness of the Qing army by shutting down the rebellion with a provincial army
Liang Qichao
One of the leaders of the 100 Days Reform. Believed that the Self Strengthening Movement focused too much on technological innovation when the time called for political reforms. Believed in educational reform specifically with the spread of literacy (abolishing the civil service exam.) Also beliefs rooted with Herbert Spencer and social darwinism. Human society is in constant competition. Exemplified nationalism; identity should be rooted with the Chinese nation. For the first time he brought the language of democracy into Chine political discourse.
Lu Xun
One of the most important writers during the May Fourth Movement. Felt that literature was the tool needed to change Chinese culture. Very against traditional values and called for change. Some of his most famous writings include Diary of a Madman, The True Story of Ah Q and The New Year's Sacrifice. Was one of the first to use the vernacular (many people could understand this). Presented his ideas that was understandable for the masses.
The Shanghai Coup
Part of the Northern Expedition; Communists and GMD leftists led Shanghai labor unions and encouraged them to overthrow warlord government in Shanghai. Chiang grew increasingly worried of the leftist and CCP and ordered a coup. Green Gang Members and forces loyal to Chiang attacked all union headquarters and protests about these attacks led to open fire on civilians. Began the "White Terror" period where CCP members had to flee and go in hiding in the country side. Ended the United Front (4 years) Foreshadowed Chiangs military dictatorship. After this he unified China.
The 21 Demands
Presented to Yuans government by Japan during World War I to strengthen its hand in China (everyone was preoccupied). There were 5 categories of demands mostly dealing with economic rights and privileges in places such as Manchuria and Shandong. Group 5 would have seriously hurt China's sovereignty with the establishment of Japanese advisors to key government positions. With the removal of group 5 Yuan signed it. Saw a wave of anti-Japanese protests and rallies. Japanese has control over Shandong. Showed the weakness of Yuan's republic-National Humiliation Day
100 Days Reform
Ran from June to September 1898. Came into play after the scramble of concessions and developed after the the loss of war of Japan. The Guangxu emperor with the help of Liang Qichao and Kang Youwei implemented over a hundred decrees calling for institutional reforms in almost every policy arena. Some of the reforms called for revamping the examination system and establishing a national school system, restricting the government, modernizing the military, police, and postal systems, setting up ned institutions, and establishing rewards for inventions. However many saw it was a threat to people's status and positions. Buddhist, people with government positions, Ci Xi, people in the military, and people who want positions through examinations. Ci Xi staged a coup d'etat and seized all the power from her nephew. Everything was revoked and some were put to death. However ushered the "era of ideologies." Many looked at problems in new contexts. Grew the feeling of nationalism. Also gave rise to the birth of "free floating individuals." Beijing University.
Treaty of Shimonoseki
Signed after the humiliating defeat after the Sino-Japanese war. Signed on 1895. Japan would be included in favored nations, ports were forced open, huge debt for China,they got Taiwan, Diaoyu Islands, and the Liaodong Peninsula. but france and others made them give it back to China. Cession of Taiwan was the first major loss of Chinese territory. Deepened Chinas financial crisis; eroded chinas chances ti undertake policy initiatives. Meant the necessity of borrowing money from foreign firms. Continuously deep in debt to foreign countries. Previously Japan was seen as inferior.
The New Life Movement
The campaign began in 1934 and was initiated by Chiang Kai Shek. Mainly focused on urban areas. Wanted to create a new national consciousness/spirit. Goals were based on Confucian values and wanted to militarize the Chinese people. Must change day to day values in order to restore them as a whole. Was a direct attack on social changes during the May 4th movement, It was widely rejected by the people and very unpopular. Showed Confucianism as a way of life no longer applicable to Chinese society.