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Period: to
China
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Introduction of Foreign Crops
Spanish and Portuguese traders introduced sweet potatoes, maize and peanuts to Chinese agricultural. These crops were added to the quick-growing strain of rice grown in the southern region. -
Mining and Manufacturing
The Chinese had extensive salt, tin, silver and iron mines. They produced beautiful silks, cottons and fine porcelain. In addition to their advanced technology and agricultural products the Chinese were essentially self-sufficient. -
British Embassy
Macartney EmbassyBritish ambassador, Lord Macartney, visits the Chinese emperor bearing gifts in an attempt to gain a trade agreement. The emperor scoffed at the "trinkets" and told him the Chinese already have everything they need. -
Population
Real Time Population
By the late 18th century, China was the most populated country in the world. It continues to hold that claim to fame but India is a close second with over a billion people of its own. -
Opium
Britain held a trade deficit with China. The amount of tea they imported was not equal to the products they exported to China. They had to make up the difference in silver and China was draining Britain's silver reserves. Opium would become the product that would create a balance of trade between the two countries. -
Opium War
The negative consequences of opium consumption continued until finally war broke out between Britain and China. -
The Treaty of Nanking
The unequal treaty ending the first Opium War. It demanded that China: Reimburse Britain for costs incurred fighting the Chinese
Open several ports to British trade
Provide Britain with complete control of Hong Kong
Grant extraterritoriality to British citizens living in China -
Extraterritoriality
The Origin of Chinese ExtraterritorialityWestern countries demanded that their citizens only obey the laws of their own country. If arrested they would be tried under the laws of their own country not Chinese law. -
The Taiping Rebellion
Population was increasing in excess of food production. The Yellow River broke its dikes and flooded causing additional food shortages. In addition, the government was corrupt. In response to these internal problems a movement began to overthrow the government. Unfortunately for this group of nationalists, British and French forces joined the imperial troops in crushing their efforts. -
Open Door Policy
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The Boxer Rebellion
A group of nationalists fought against the Dowager Empress's rule and foreign control of China. Again defeated by a multi-national force, this time a feeling of nationalism took hold in China. -
Spheres of Influence
Spheres of Influence
Each major Western country took control of a region of China. The Chinese government was powerless to stop them. -
Kuomintang
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Constitutional Government
A Constitutional government is established. The Emperor is only a figurehead. -
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One Child Policy
One Child PolicyTo reduce the Chinese population, fines were strictly enforced to parents having families with more than one child. Traditionally, parents want a son and would abandon any girls that were born into the family. To reduce the growing population sizes in orphanages, many caretakers would neglect or intentionally starve children who were ugly or weak.
