china first half Flashcards
Describe the political reform during the Late Qing period.
Setting up modern political organisations like the provincial assemblies, national assembly and cabinet to separate power and prevent centralising it on the emperor.
Describe why the Late Qing Reform could not modernise China politically
China was still an autocracy where the emperor had supreme and the highest power, such as being able to head both assemblies and appoint or remove officials, making all important state decisions. The government was not representative as it was dominated by the Manchus, such as 7 out of 13 members of the cabinet being Manchus, creating the Royal Cabinet. Also, election element was limited as only the local gentry could vote, showing a lack of participation in government for the people. Overall, the reform was insincere and simply designed to consolidate Manchu power.
Describe the economic reform during the Late Qing period.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Industry and Commerce was set up to coordinate development, while a banking system was created to provide relevant services like borrowing loans. Railways were also built to make a convenient transport network. Business regulations like the Company Act were promoted to safeguard businesses’ rights. This would encourage local enterprises to grow as well as foreign investment, by creating a favourable economic environment.
Describe why the Late Qing Reform could not modernise China economically.
China still had low productivity and living standards, lopsided industries where 90% of the peasants engaged in agriculture or farming while the traditional smallholding pattern continued in industries because the reform neglected agricultural development, hence failing to diversify industries, and a lack of mechanisation in farming. Moreover, local industries and goods weren’t competitive enough in the foreign market as foreign powers held China’s tariff rights.
Describe why the Late Qing Reform could not modernise China socially.
China was still filled with evil, inhumane social norms like foot-binding and slavery as well as feudal ideas like gender inequality, causing a backward, uncivilised society.
Describe the diplomatic reform during the Late Qing period.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs replaced the Zongli Yamen.
Describe why the Late Qing Reform could not modernise China diplomatically.
It was still bound by unequal treaties like the Nanjing Treaty, showing a low international status disrespected by foreign powers, as well as an incomplete sovereignty, such as losing salt tax autonomy and extraterritorial rights.
Describe how China was changed politically after the 1911 Revolution.
Sun Yat-sen’s Three People’s Principles included Republic, where he advocated changing the absolute monarchy into a republic, which modernised China’s political system as it abolished the 2000-year monarchy and promoted separation of powers.
Describe why the 1911 Revolution could not modernise China politically.
Yuan Shikai tried multiple times to reinstate the monarchy, dissolving the parliament and declaring himself emperor, showing that democracy was not well-developed or rooted in China and that the autocracy remained without a separation of powers. Moreover, election element was limited and only around 10% of the people could vote.
Describe the economic reform implemented because of the 1911 Revolution.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce was set up, encouraging local industry to develop such as overseas Chinese to return and set up businesses.
Describe why the 1911 Revolution could not modernise China economically.
China still suffered low productivity, low living standards, lack of mechanisation and lopsided industries. Moreover, the warlords imposed heavy taxes on the people, making their lives even harder under serious poverty. Sun’s principle of equal land distribution – Socialism, could also not carry out.
Describe the social reform implemented after the 1911 Revolution.
Sun advocated Five-Group Harmony, where the Hans’ status was raised instead of Manchu domination in the past, showing racial equality and a more civilised, modern society where equal rights are promoted.
Describe why the 1911 Revolution could not modernise China socially.
China still suffered from evil social practices and feudal ideas.
Describe why the 1911 Revolution could not modernise China diplomatically.
China was still bound by unequal treaties and had incomplete sovereignty. Moreover, Yuan signed the 21 Demands, making China a protectorate of Japan, further losing dignity and its status as an independent country.
Describe the political impact of the May Fourth Movement.
Democratic thoughts were promoted in China, such as through Chen Duxiu’s Youth Magazine as Western ideas were popular at that time. Hu Shu also advocated complete Westernisation. However, there was no institutional change and China was still an autocracy without separation of powers. Communism was even promoted due to the anti-imperialist nature of the movement, causing the establishment of the CCP (Communist Party of China) in 1921 which became China’s ruling party after its victory in the Chinese Civil War against the Kuomintang. Since communism promoted one-party dictatorship and eliminating opposition, it showed an unmodernised political system.
