Trade in Late 19th Century China
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‘Trade was the main reason for international involvement in China in the late nineteenth century.
ESSAY
The late nineteenth century saw a significant increase in international involvement in China, with trade being a key factor as outlined in the indicative content provided. While trade undeniably played a crucial role in driving foreign interest in China during this period, other factors also contributed to the growing involvement of foreign powers in the country.
The weakening of the Qing dynasty in mid-nineteenth century China led to a series of concessions being granted to European powers, including the establishment of treaty ports and the legalization of opium trade. The pursuit of economic gains through trade, particularly in lucrative commodities like opium, incentivized Western powers to further their involvement in China. Additionally, the Open-Door Policy proposed by the United States aimed to regulate foreign trade in China, highlighting the economic importance of the region.
Beyond economic considerations, international involvement in China was also influenced by geopolitical rivalries among European powers. The quest for international status and influence drove nations to expand their presence in China, leading to increased competition and conflict. The emergence of Japan as a modernized power further complicated the situation, as the country sought to establish itself as a major player in East Asia by gaining control of Chinese territories like Korea.
Furthermore, the role of missionaries in China cannot be overlooked, as their activities often intersected with economic and political interests. The Boxer Rebellion of 1900-01, which targeted foreign interests in China, served as a catalyst for intervention from multiple nations and highlighted the complexities of international involvement in the region.
In conclusion, while trade was indeed a primary motivation for international involvement in late nineteenth century China, other factors such as geopolitical rivalries, territorial ambitions, missionary activities, and responses to internal unrest also played significant roles. The multifaceted nature of foreign engagement in China during this period indicates that a holistic understanding of historical events is necessary to fully grasp the complexities of international relations in the region.
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"Trade was the main reason for international involvement in China in the late nineteenth century.' How far do you agree?
Indicative content
Economic issues were undoubtably important, but a number of other factors may be identified as contributing to the growing interest in China in the late nineteenth century.
Trade:
In the mid-nineteenth century the weak Chinese government of the Qing dynasty had been forced into a series of concessions to European countries that included the granting of treaty ports or trading centres for the great powers (Hong Kong, Shanghai etc.). This included legalising trade in opium from which western traders made huge profits and removing all internal barriers to European trade. This was reinforced when the USA joined the imperialist race for control and proposed the Open-Door Policy to regulate foreign trading in China.
Other factors:
Whilst trade was the primary focus, governments saw supporting trade as a matter of international status so European rivalry played a part. USA became more involved because acquisition of the Philippines turned US enterprise toward the possibility of developing trade with China where Europeans were already making large profits. Japan, having carried out extensive modernisation, was interested in establishing itself as a world power and as the strongest indigenous power in East Asia and so wanted to seize control of Chinese territory, especially control of Korea (First Sino– Japanese War 1894–95 & Treaty of Shimonoseki). The role of missionaries might also be included, and all factors can be drawn together in the response to the Boxer rising (1900–01). Accept any other valid responses."