Member-only story

Fueling China's Entry Into The Modern World Order: 1860-1920

John Updike

·2.5k Followers· Follow

Published in Empires Of Coal: Fueling China S Entry Into The Modern World Order 1860 1920 (Studies Of The Weatherhead East Asian Institute Columbia University)

5 min read

1.7k View Claps

97 Respond

Save

Listen

China's entry into the modern world order was a complex and multifaceted process that spanned several decades. This paper examines the key factors and forces that fueled China's modernization during the period from 1860 to 1920. These include the impact of Western imperialism, the rise of nationalism, and the internal transformations that occurred within Chinese society.

Empires of Coal: Fueling China’s Entry into the Modern World Order, 1860-1920 (Studies of the Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University)

by Gareth Murphy

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7522 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	281 pages

Western Imperialism

The First Opium War (1839-1842) marked a watershed moment in China's relations with the West. The war resulted in the Treaty of Nanking, which ceded Hong Kong to Britain and opened five Chinese ports to foreign trade. This treaty was followed by a series of other unequal treaties that granted Western powers extraterritorial rights and control over China's customs and tariffs.

Western imperialism had a profound impact on China. It led to the opening of China's economy to foreign goods and investment, which stimulated economic growth but also led to the loss of Chinese control over its own economic destiny. Western imperialism also led to the spread of Western ideas and technologies, which had a transformative effect on Chinese society.

The Rise of Nationalism

The humiliation of China by the Western powers led to a surge of nationalist sentiment among the Chinese people. This nationalism was expressed in a variety of forms, including the Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864),the Boxer Rebellion (1899-1900),and the May Fourth Movement (1919).

Nationalism played a key role in fueling China's modernization. It provided a sense of unity and purpose to the Chinese people, and it inspired them to seek ways to restore China's strength and independence. Nationalism also led to the development of a modern Chinese state, which was essential for China's entry into the modern world order.

Internal Transformations

In addition to external factors, China's modernization was also driven by a series of internal transformations. These transformations included the development of a modern education system, the rise of new social classes, and the emergence of a modern Chinese intelligentsia.

The development of a modern education system was essential for China's modernization. It provided the Chinese people with the skills and knowledge they needed to participate in the modern world. The rise of new social classes, such as the merchant class and the industrial working class, also played a key role in China's modernization. These new classes provided the economic resources and the social support for China's transformation.

The emergence of a modern Chinese intelligentsia was also crucial for China's modernization. The intelligentsia provided the intellectual leadership for China's modernization, and it played a key role in the development of new ideas and the formation of new social and political institutions.

China's entry into the modern world order was a complex and multifaceted process that was fueled by a combination of external and internal factors. Western imperialism, the rise of nationalism, and the internal transformations that occurred within Chinese society all played a key role in shaping this process.

China's entry into the modern world order was not without its challenges. China faced a number of obstacles, including the continued threat of foreign invasion, the weakness of the Chinese state, and the social and economic problems that plagued Chinese society. However, despite these challenges, China was able to make significant progress towards modernization during the period from 1860 to 1920.

China's entry into the modern world order had a profound impact on the country. It led to the transformation of China's economy, society, and politics. It also led to China's emergence as a major player on the world stage.

Empires of Coal: Fueling China’s Entry into the Modern World Order, 1860-1920 (Studies of the Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University)

by Gareth Murphy

4 out of 5