Brainscape China Booklet 1 - 1860-70 Flashcards
What does ‘imperial’ refer to in China?
The rule of dynasties and emperors.
Where did the Qing dynasty come from?
Manchuria
What was a ‘Tributary State’?
Countries that paid tax/tribute to China in exchange for protection and trade. e.g. Korea, Tibet, Vietnam
Explain the Mandate of Heaven.
The force of history that justifies the holding of power by those in authority. Floods, famine, drought, war could overthrow a dynasty.
What was Western Imperialism?
The spread of economic and political control by European countries over parts of Asia and Africa.
There were 50 Treaty Ports by 1900. What were they?
Trading areas controlled by westerners. These were won through a series of ‘unequal’ treaties.
Name THREE western powers interested in China.
Britain, France, Germany, America.
Who was the emperor in 1860?
Xian Feng (also spelt Hsienfeng)
Who was Cixi?
Concubine who became Xianfeng’s Empress and ruled on his behalf. Later regent for son and nephew.
Explain the Canton System for trade with foreigners.
13 merchants were chosen by the imperial government to trade with foreigners from Canton. NO private trade was allowed.
What goods did foreigners want from China? Name 3.
Silk, porcelain, tea.
Britain secured article 8: they were a ‘most-favoured nation’. What does this mean?
Any deals or treaties secured with other nations must also be extended to Britain.
What does extraterritoriality mean?
When foreigners are not subject to the laws of the country, but can only be tried using their native laws.
As the foreigners attacked Beijing in 1856, where was emperor Xian Feng?
Hunting, as an excuse to retreat.
The Treaty of Tianjin was signed in 1858. What were the 5 big wins for foreigners?
Extraterritoriality, all inland waterways were opened to foreign ships, foreign ambassadors to live in Beijing, 10 new treaty ports, free movement for Christian missionaries.
Name one domestic rebellion in the 1850s-60s that further weakened the Qing.
Taiping Rebellion, Nian Rebellion, Muslim Rebellions.
What does ‘yi’ mean and what does it suggest about feelings towards foreigners?
Yi means ‘alien’. Most Chinese, especially educated, thought that foreigners were barbarians and called them foreign devils.
Why did Chinese kill 17 French missionaries and burn 4 churches in Tianjin, 1870?
Rumours orphans were being killed by nuns and their limbs used for aphrodisiacs before sex play between monks and nuns. Heightened anti-foreign feeling.
What was the Self-Strengthening movement 1865?
Attempt to modernise China, e.g. Jiangnan Arsenal and Fuzhou Shipyard.
What was the Zongi Yamen?
Zongi Yamen = Foreign Ministry set up un 1865, the first Ambassador to England was Guo Song Tao
What was the Tongwenguan?
Tongwenguan = Interpreter’s College, so Chinese could learn foreign languages for trade.
