China’s Sprout Of Modernity Flashcards
Background of modern Chinese architecture
“Super-stable” evolution of Chinese architecture in the past
five thousand years of feudalist rule:
• Ancient architecture was shaped by local needs, materials,
and technology.
• Due to the limitation of materials and technical availability, buildings had evolution in technology, system, and style, but the change was slow and mainly in structural details. For
example, big or small in some building components.
The cease of traditional Chinese architecture
1842 the first door open : opium war and the ceding and devastation of territory in China
Before : Dictatorship Monarchy (agricultural society)
After : Semi-feudalist, semi-colonial (industrial society)
Treaty of Nanking
1842
• After China’s defeat in the First Opium War, the Treaty of Nanking (《南京條約》) was signed with Britain.
• Five major ports—Guangzhou, Xiamen, Fuzhou, Ningbo, and Shanghai—were opened to foreign trade.
Forced division of territory in 1842
After Britain, France, Russia, Germany, and Japan continued to force China to cede territories and establish treaty ports.
Shanghai
One of the first gateways to foreign influence
Opening year : 1843
Reason for opening : one of the first five treaty ports opened under the treaty of Nanking
Main foreign influences:
- British: established trade companies, banks and introduced British architectural styles
- French: developed the French Concession with French-style residences and cultural buildings
- USA: set up churches, hospitals and educational institutions
- Japanese: expanded commerce and industry influence in the early 20th century
What year did British merchants begin leasing land in Shanghai?
1845
What was created as a result of British, US, and French leasing of land?
The International Settlement.
How did the International Settlement operate in relation to Chinese law?
It operated independently of Chinese law.
What type of police forces administered the International Settlement?
Foreign-administered police forces, such as Indian police forces.
What type of construction characterized the International Settlement?
Western-style construction.
What was the effect of Western-style construction in the Settlement?
It created a contrast with traditional Chinese areas and attracted wealthy Chinese residents.
When did most of Shanghai’s urban development occur?
During the Settlement period.
Until what year was the Settlement protected from external threats?
Until 1941, prior to the Pacific War.
When did the Chinese government regain administrative control of the International Settlement?
In 1945, after World War II.
The origin of Bund
The early international buildings were built at this junction of the Huangpu Eiver and the Suzhou Creek
What is the earliest trade port in southern China?
The earliest trade port in southern China is Guangzhou.
When was Guangzhou designated as the official foreign trade port?
Guangzhou was designated as the official foreign trade port in 1757.
What restrictions were placed on trade in Guangzhou until 1842?
Trade was confined to foreigners in Guangzhou until the Opium War in 1842.
What was the reason for opening Guangzhou as a trade port?
The Qing government opened Guangzhou to control foreign influence and trade through the ‘Canton System.’
What were the main foreign influences in Guangzhou?
The main foreign influences were the British and French concessions.
How was Sha Mian divided between British and French concessions?
Approximately 4/5 of Sha Mian’s western part was designated as the British concession, while the eastern 1/5 was set aside as the French concession.
What activities did American merchants engage in at Guangzhou?
American merchants established presences particularly in trade and missionary activities.
What are the 13 factories in Guangzhou?
1800s
Companies from Europe and America
The Qing government was reluctant to engage in foreign trade, believing that they possessed everything they needed.
Before the First Opium War in 1842, foreigners were restricted to this designated area for trade and were not permitted to travel elsewhere.
Sha Mian (Guangzhou)
Concession zone for overseas consulates general and trading companies.
Formed from silt and sand in the Pearl River, the island was first allocated to foreign trade in early 19th
Consulate offices, trade warehouses and banks were gradually constructed.
Sha Mian formed its face of today in the early 20th century (1900-1930)
What is the significance of Hankou in 1858?
Hankou was opened to foreign trade.
It was opened as a treaty port under the Treaty of Tientsin, part of the treaties signed after the Second Opium War.
What major transportation exchanges occur in Central China?
Traffic exchange of water (Yangtze River) and rail (Beijing to Guangzhou line).
Which countries influenced the development of Hankou?
Britain, Germany, France, Russia, and Japan leased land in the city, mainly in Hankou.
What is Tianjin?
Big port city in northern China and Bohai Bay.
When was Tianjin opened?
1860.
Why was Tianjin opened?
Tianjin was opened as a treaty port following the Second Opium War, with the Treaty of Tientsin signed between Qing China and Western powers.
Which countries influenced Tianjin?
Tianjin was leased to and divided by nine countries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries: Britain, France, United States, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan, Austria-Hungary, Belgium.
