Disputes with China over imperial expansion, the Boxer Rebellion
8.2 International Tensions
The Rise of Global Powers and International Tensions
A Level/AS Level/O Level
History Notes
Your Burning Questions Answered!
Analyze the role of economic imperialism in the disputes between China and Western powers.
Discuss the impact of the Boxer Rebellion on China's international relations.
Compare and contrast the objectives of the Western powers in suppressing the Boxer Rebellion.
Evaluate the significance of the "Open Door" policy in shaping global power dynamics at the turn of the 20th century.
Examine the consequences of the Russo-Japanese War for the balance of power in East Asia.
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Disputes with China over imperial expansion, the Boxer Rebellion
Chapter 8: The Rise of Global Powers and International Tensions
8.2 International Tensions
1. Disputes with China over Imperial Expansion
⭐The Opium Wars (1839-1842 & 1856-1860): Western powers, especially Britain, wanted to sell opium in China to balance their trade deficit. The Qing dynasty, China's ruling dynasty, outlawed opium, leading to conflict.
⭐First Opium War: Britain won, forcing China to sign the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. This treaty gave Britain control of Hong Kong, opened five Chinese ports to British trade, and granted extraterritoriality (British citizens in China were exempt from Chinese law).
⭐Second Opium War: This war was sparked by the arrest of a British diplomat and a dispute over the right to preach Christianity in China. France joined the British, and they won. The Treaty of Tientsin expanded the privileges of Western powers, allowing them to travel freely in China and set up embassies.
⭐Spheres of Influence: These were areas in China where Western powers had exclusive trading rights.
⭐Russia: Had established a sphere of influence in Manchuria.
⭐Germany: Claimed a sphere of influence in Shandong.
⭐Britain: Held a sphere of influence in the Yangtze River valley.
⭐France: Had a sphere of influence in southern China.
⭐Japan: Had a sphere of influence in Taiwan and Korea.
⭐The Open Door Policy: In 1899, the United States, fearing China would be completely carved up by European powers, proposed this policy, which called for equal trading rights for all nations in China. While the policy ensured some American access to Chinese markets, it did little to stop the exploitation of China by other Western powers.
2. The Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901)
⭐The Boxers: This was a secret Chinese martial arts society that violently opposed Western influence in China. They believed they could defeat Western weapons through spiritual exercises and magic.
⭐The Rebellion: Fueled by anti-foreign sentiment, the Boxers launched attacks on Christian missionaries and foreign diplomats in Beijing. They sieged the foreign legations (embassies) for months.
⭐The International Response: Eight nations (including Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Japan, and the United States) sent troops to China to suppress the rebellion. They defeated the Boxers and rescued the besieged foreigners.
⭐Aftermath: The Boxer Rebellion further weakened the Qing dynasty and led to increased foreign control in China. The rebellion also highlighted the growing tensions between Western powers and China.
3. Japan's Rise to Power
⭐The Meiji Restoration (1868-1912): This was a period of rapid modernization and industrialization in Japan. The country adopted Western technology, education, and military systems.
⭐Japanese Expansionism: Inspired by Western imperialism, Japan began to expand its power in East Asia.
⭐Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895): Japan defeated China, claiming Taiwan and Korea.
⭐Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905): Japan defeated Russia, acquiring control over Southern Manchuria and Korea. The victories established Japan as a major power in Asia.
⭐Consequences: Japan's rise to power further complicated the international landscape, as it challenged Western dominance in Asia and led to increased tension between Japan and other powers, particularly Russia.
4. The Scramble for Africa
⭐European Imperialism: European powers competed for control over Africa in the late 19th century. They used technological superiority, military force, and diplomatic maneuvering to carve up the continent.
⭐Factors Contributing to Imperialism:
⭐Economic Interests: European powers sought raw materials (rubber, gold, diamonds) and new markets for their manufactured goods.
⭐Nationalism: There was a growing sense of national pride and competition among European nations.
⭐Social Darwinism: This theory, applied to international relations, argued that the "fittest" nations would survive and dominate.
⭐The Berlin Conference (1884-1885): European powers met to establish rules for the colonization of Africa. The conference led to the establishment of colonial boundaries without considering existing African societies or ethnic groups.
⭐Consequences: The Scramble for Africa had devastating consequences for African peoples.
⭐Loss of Independence: African nations lost their sovereignty and were subjected to European rule.
⭐Exploitation: Africa's resources were exploited for the benefit of European powers.
⭐Division and Conflict: Arbitrary colonial boundaries created divisions and conflicts among African groups that had previously lived in harmony.
5. Increased International Tensions
⭐Arms Races: European nations engaged in a competition to build up their militaries, leading to increased tensions and suspicion.
⭐Alliances: European powers formed alliances, creating a complex web of commitments that could easily draw nations into conflict.
⭐Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
⭐Triple Entente: France, Russia, and Great Britain.
⭐Nationalism and Imperialism: National pride and competition over colonies fueled tensions between nations.
⭐The Balkans: The region of the Balkans was a tinderbox of ethnic and political tensions. Austria-Hungary's desire to expand its influence in the Balkans led to conflict with Serbia and other Balkan nations.
Note: This is just a summary of the key points. For a deeper understanding, research these events further and explore the perspectives of the different actors involved.
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