Imperialism in Aisia

China

China was relatively self-sufficient before Imperialism (did not need to trade)

China ultimately decides to open one trading port to Europeans at Guangzhou around 1830

Europeans (especially the British) ultimately establish a Sphere of Influence in China: (Granted exclusive trading rights )

The British mostly traded Silver; but there was an imbalance of trade

So the British ultimately make up for the Imbalance by bringing Opium in from India

After 12 million Chinese become heavily addicted to Opium

Opium Wars (1839-42; 1856-60)

• 1839-42; 1856-60
• Chinese declare war on British for flooding nation with opium
• Fought mostly on Sea
• British steam-Engine ships dominate
• Results in the Treaty on Nanking: Britain Given Hong Kong

United States steps in

• US Afraid Europeans would colonize China
• 1899 US Declares "Open Door Policy" to allow China to open trade to other nations
• Foreigners begin to dominate China
• Chinese "Boxers" from the countryside rebel against "Foreign Devils"

Boxer Rebellion 1898-1901

• Chinese group called the "Society of the Righteous and Harmonious Fists" (Known as "Boxers" in the west) wanted to take back China from foreigners
• Anti-Christian and Anti-European
• Took hostages at Bejing
• Eventually crushed by Europeans

Japan

Japan was initially closed to foreign trade ("locked country" no one in or out)

Commodore Perry

• 1853 American Naval Commander (Commodore Perry) arrives in Japan with gunboats (American black ships)
• Commodore Perry is able to open Trade without firing a single shot
• This starts a Japanese arms race and rapid modernization to compete with the West

Mejing Restoration

• At the time, Japan was dominated by a Shogun (military leader)
• Japanese were unhappy with how far behind Japan was from the West
• 1868: Shogun is overthrown; Mejing Emperor is restored
• Mejing Emperor initiated rapid industriliaztion and militarization (arms race) to compete with the West