China Booklet 1 - Issues in China Mid-19th Century

Question 1

What issues were foreigners causing within China Mid 19th century?

Answer 1

Overwhelming military strength, attempts to dictate religion, unfair treaties - Britain/France

Question 2

Why was emperor Hsien Feng causing China issues in the mid 19th century?

Answer 2

Constantly Ill, lack of interests, believed it wasn’t his fault, was shown to be weak (fled Peking last war) - upset Chinese as wanted strong leader

Question 3

What internal issues were occurring within China in the mid 19th century?

Answer 3

Floods in Szechuan, scarcity of food (grain), theft in forbidden city

Question 4

What does the conflict of advisors relate to?

Answer 4

Su Shun wasn’t listening to emperor, arguments over whether to hold British ambassador hostage, created tension between Su Shun and Prince Kung

Question 5

Why was a weak Chinese military seen to be an issue in mid 19th century?

Answer 5

Lack of weapons (no guns), increased worry of foreign invasion as before and unequal treaties as a result

Question 6

What was the self strengthening movement 1965?

Answer 6

Attempts to modernise China by adapting western ideas I.e Tianjin mine, Jianjin Arsenal

Question 7

Meaning of ‘yi’?

Answer 7

Yi means ‘alien’. Most Chinese, especially educated, thought that foreigners were barbarians and called them foreign devils.