'WE SHOULD ALWAYS BE
AWARE THAT WHAT
NOW LIES IN THE PAST
ONCE LAY IN THE
FUTURE.' - F.W.
MAITLAND
Exploring the history of China and Japan in the 19th
century.
Paul Grace
August 5th 2013
Sino-Japan Conference, Li Po Chun UWC
What are some of the unresolved issues in East
Asia today?
• The Korean Peninsula - Is reunification possible?
• 2047 – Will Hong Kong fully integrate with the PRC?
• Recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign state.
• Senkaku / Diaoyu Islands dispute
• The role of democracy in the region
• History – especially 2nd Sino-Japanese War and WW2.
• KEY POINT - Many of these issues have their roots in the 19 th
century.
Three Key Challenges of the 19th Century
•Imperial Threats (examples – Perry Expedition,
Annexation of Korea, Opium Wars, Unequal Treaties)
•Modernization and Industrialization (examples –
Meiji Restoration, Self-Strengthening Movement, 100 Days
Reform, Late Qing Reform)
•Rebellion and Revolution (examples – Taiping
Rebellion, Nian Rebellion, Satsuma Rebellion, Boxer Rebellion,
Xinhai Revolution)
What is imperialism?
• "an unequal human and territorial relationship, usually in the form
of an empire, based on ideas of superiority and practices of
dominance, and involving the extension of authority and control of
one state or people over another.” (Dictionary of Human
Geography)
• Lenin believed that imperialism represented the final stage of
capitalism as discussed in his work – ‘Imperialism – the highest stage
of capitalism.’
• Can imperialism have any positive effects?
What is modernization and industrialization?
• In the context of the 19 th century this referred to the transition
from a traditional, agricultural based economy with a feudal
political structure through to a modern, industrialized economy
with a more representative political system.
• The most successful example of this occurred in Japan during the
Meiji era between 1868 and 1912 where Japan was able to
undertake extraordinary transformations in economic, social,
political and cultural life.
Rebellion and Revolution
• Alongside imperial threats and the challenges of modernization
there were also numerous rebellions in the region.
• The Taiping Rebellion in China is largely unheard of to many people.
However it is estimated that at least 20 million people died as a
result between 1850 and 1864. (TOK American War of
Independence)
• The Satsuma Rebellion in Japan 1877, led by samurai folk lore hero
Saigo Takamori was against the new Meiji government and almost
brought Japan to a state of civil war.
• The Xinhai Revolution in China 1911 brought dynastic rule to an end
and brought in a new period of uncertainty into China.
Statue of Saigo in
Ueno Park, Tokyo
Summary – How did these developments affect
China and Japan?
• Japan – Largely positive
• Resisted imperialist domination through radical transformation of
the Meiji Restoration. Went on to be an expansionist power with a
strong economy. Japan was a global power by the early 20 th century
this included the defeat of Russia in 1905. Japan had become an
imperial power.
• China – Largely Negative
• Unable to modernize effectively given the conservative nature of
the Qing court. Increasingly pressured through unequal treaties
from European powers. Loss of war in 1895. 1911 revolution was a
culmination of many of these issues.
19th Century Links to International Relations
Today
• Hong Kong – Ceded to the British in gradual stages throughout the
19th century.
• Taiwan – Became part of Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War,
Chinese Civil War (1946-49) led to further complications in the
relationship between the PRC and Taiwan.
• Korea – Tributary status under the Qing for much of the 19 th
century, independence for a short period after the First SinoJapanese War. Annexation by Japan in 1910. Defeat of Japan in 1945
leads to division of the peninsula, the war maintains the status quo.
• Senkaku / Diaoyu Islands – Ceded to Japan after victory in 1895.
Activity – Source Investigation
• Using the sources you have brought to this session, discuss the
following questions in groups.
• 1) What did the USA hope to achieve from the Perry expedition?
• 2) What does the Meiji Charter Oath reveal about the intentions of
the reformers?
• 3) How did Japan benefit from the Treaty of Shimonoseki? What do
you think the impact would be on the region?
The Changing Balance of Power after the war.
• Defeat of China and victory of Japan creates a new balance of
power in the region.
• This is rolled back by the Triple Intervention
• China experiences a scramble for concessions – e.g. Lease of the
New Territories 1897
• Boxer Rebellion in China
• Japanese Alliance with UK
• Japan goes to war with Russia in 1904-05 and takes full colonial
control of Korea 1910
• China experiences revolution in 1911
Into the 20th century
• World War One 1914 – 1918
• Japan benefits economically, allies with GB, takes control of
Shandong Province
• China supports the Entente Powers through labor, building roads,
trenches in Europe.
• Intellectual Developments – Pan Asianism, Mr Science & Mr
Democracy, Socialism (esp after 1917)
• Paris Peace Conference – Turning Point – Rejection of Chinese
demands at Versailles stirred May 4 th Movement and encouraged
growth of the CCP.
• Warlord Era in China
Thanks for listening! Any questions?