Civilizations in Transition- Latin America, Islamic Empires, and Qing China
By the late eighteenth century, Creole elites questioned the necessity of remaining colonial subjects. The
mass of the population resented government policies. Early attempts at revolution failed because the elites
feared the potential power of those under them. The parts of Asia still independent from European
dominance after 1750 suffered from political decline and from the reactions to new challenges. They also
faced the threat of Western imperialism and the West's industrial lead. China, under the Qing dynasty in the
seventeenth century, enjoyed growth and prosperity and had the power to limit European intervention. The
Ottomans, on the contrary, were in full retreat. Russia and Austria seized territories, North African provinces
broke away, and local leaders throughout the empire became more independent. Economic and social
disruption accompanied the political malaise. Although the Ottoman rulers did not have a solution to their
problems, they regained some strength during the nineteenth century by following Western-style reforms.
At the end of the century, internal and external pressures had demolished the foundations of Chinese
civilization.
Latin America
Take notes over these two Latin American power points.
Latin American Revolutions
Results of the Latin American Revolutions
Visit and read the 'Latin American Revolutions' website  http://www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/intro.html
Islamic Groups and Qing China
Read and take notes over these power points on the Decline of the Ottoman Empire and the Rise and Fall of
Qing China.
Decline of the Ottoman Empire
Rise and Fall of Qing China
Visit the following websites to read more over the decline of the Ottomans and the Qing Dynasty.
Ottomans
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/40411/Kemal-Ataturk
http://www.turizm.net/turkey/history/ottoman3.html
Qing Dynasty
http://www.smplanet.com/teaching/imperialism/#boxer (Boxer Rebellion & Fists of Righteous Harmony)
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/history/qing.htm
Watch and take notes over these "You Tube" clips of the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the decline of
the Qing Dynasty.
Decline of the Ottoman Empire 1
Decline of the Ottoman Empire 2
Decline of the Qing Dynasty
Territorial Losses of the Ottoman Empire Map
Trace the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire as it moved through the 19th century. Indicate on this
outline map the boundaries of the empire at the following points:
1. 1750 CE
2. 1800 CE
3. 1850 CE
Make sure to add a title and relevant years if not included on the maps you find.
4. 1900 CE
China and Japan Timeline
Prepare parallel timelines indicating the major political, social, and economic shifts of China and Japan
beginning in the 17th century. Be sure that the timelines run parallel so you will be able to get a one-glance
view of how the two states evolved in relation to one another.
Fall of Qing China Summary
1. Visit the authorstream.com site and click through the presentation on Qing China.
2. Summarize the reasons for the fall of Qing China. Make sure to include the Opium War, the Taiping
Rebellion, Cixi, the Sino-Japanese War, the Boxer Rebellion, and Sun Yat-sen.
Questions for Thought: Civilizations in Transitions
1. What were the Latin American "military dictators" called?
2. What was the major obstacle to Latin American industrialization?
3. By 1914, about how much territory had the Ottoman Empire lost from its peak in 1699?
4. What were two major reasons for the decline of the Ottoman Empire?
5. What war's loss forced China to let foreigners into the country?
6. What were the regions called where foreign governments divided China up and dominated their trade
and investment?
7. What two rebellions increased Chinese nationalism and called for major governmental reforms?
8. What were some of the similar factors in the instability in 19th century Latin America, the 19th century
decline of the Ottoman Empire, and the 19th century decline of the Qing dynasty?
9. Discuss the events and issues, which created crisis in the Islamic world during the latter half of the 19 th
century (include the Ottoman Empire). How did the Islamic regimes handle these crises?