Clash of Empires

Question 1

When were the Mongols overthrown?

Answer 1

By the Ming Dynasty, in 1368. Under the Ming, China’s economy, and politics settled down.

Question 2

Why did China’s economy begin to develop rapidly in the 15th and 16th Century?

Answer 2

Voyages of discovery, they began to trade with Europe. Their economies become monetized as a result of the large quantities of silver bullion earned in trade. Sea lanes were opened up - facilitated trade and was an easier method of transport

Question 3

Why did the Qing Dynasty bring peace and prosperity?

Answer 3

Efficient agriculture (increased productivity, increased taxes, this increased funds for public works)
Waterways opening up allowed complex distribution (exports to Europe due to surplus of commodities) 
Capitalist trade and industry developed in market towns (concentrated in agricultural areas)

Question 4

Describe Qing politics, briefly.

Answer 4

The Qing dynasty was a Confucian government that rested on an Emperor that was guided by trained scholarly bureaucrats. Their ability to control was limited, but provided orderly government. The expanse of China meant there was always de facto local devolution (power was never centralised)

Question 5

What sort of luxury goods did China export?

Answer 5

Tea, silk, porcelain

Question 6

What was the tribute system?

Answer 6

Leaders in China’s sphere of influence paid tribute to China and got protection and recognition in return. This can be seen as imperialism by consent. For example, Japan paid tribute to China- this emerged from their believed cultural superiority

Question 7

What did internal stability in Japan allow for?

Answer 7

Allowed economic expansion, much like China. This stability was maintained by both internal bureaucratic means and ‘closed’ borders (encouraged by ethnic purity). They maintained their dominance without large military presence

Question 8

What impact did the industrial revolution have on China?

Answer 8

It made it more difficult to restrict trade to Canton with the Hongs. Also, there was an increased demand for Chinese luxuries in Europe, there was an increasing move to find things European merchants could sell to China

Question 9

Why did the Treaty of Nanking come about in 1842? What ramifications did this have?

Answer 9

As a result of the first opium war. British used gunboat diplomacy to enforce free trade on the Chinese. They were required to cede Canton and not restrict trade to the Hongs. This weakened the legitimacy of the Emperor- European maritime powers vastly exceeded China. The fall of Chinese Imperial System

Question 10

What happened when Japan was forced to sign similar unequal treaties?

Answer 10

Had to open up ports. Japan was aware of their need to adapt and improve technology. Their militarisation was more successful and began to modernise because of their desire to reverse the unequal treaties. They decided to acquire an Imperial Empire
Sino-Japanese War
Russo-Japanese War

Question 11

What were some of the values and ideologies that the East held that impacted the way they conducted trade and expanded?

Answer 11

Racial purity, protectionism, inward thinking, focus on traditional values, rulers were warriors rather than political leaders, focused on own industries, craft rather than mass production and exploitation focused on quality and bettering themselves

Question 12

Did the West and the East share any values?

Answer 12

The idea of cultural superiority - wanted to keep out lesser peoples, imposed marriage customs and education for elites. Dutch empire sent out missionaries to civilise ‘native’ peoples by introducing Christianity

Question 13

How did some Westerners justify the First Opium war?

Answer 13

They viewed China as the sleeping giant and war was a way to rouse that country from a slumber - Pomeranz

Question 14

How was European expansion often justified?

Answer 14

Used the excuse of cultural superiority, and these were civilising missions. They saw it as tutelage that would make societies fit for self-rule. Readiness for self-rule would be indicated by free labourers, patriotic soldiers, practitioners of modern hygiene. Despite growing importance of commercial interests, main ideas were evangelist and agrarianism. This would awaken its imperial subjects and build societies.

Question 15

What impacts did the actions of colonisers have on indigenous peoples?

Answer 15

They suffered greatly as many traditional practices were deemed criminal. E.g. herders, forest peoples. Tenant lost customary guarantees against eviction.

Question 16

What would one advantage of colonial rule be, in terms of health?

Answer 16

Life expectancy generally increased by the end of colonial rule. When developmental imperialism chose cost-effective projects it could significantly contribute to human well-being by vaccines and sanitation.

Question 17

Generally, what are the main differences between capital-poor and capital-rich empires?

Answer 17

Capital-rich empires are usually noncontiguous and maritime

Question 18

What was the Chinese Price Revolution?

Answer 18

China adopted silver as the standard currency for tax and commerce. The bullion circulating led to a century-long inflation, where prices differed massively between different regions.

Question 19

What were the three major economic zones of China?

Answer 19

Developed East, developing Central, underdeveloped West. However, the decline of the East preceded the rise of the West and was not caused by the latter.