Section Quiz 22-1 East Asia Under Challenge 1800 -1914

Extraterritoriality refers to the exemption of foreign individuals or groups from the jurisdiction of the host country's laws. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European powers, particularly in China, enjoyed extraterritorial rights. This meant that European citizens living in China were subject only to their own country's laws and were not accountable to Chinese laws. This privilege was seen as a form of European freedom from Chinese laws and allowed them to maintain control and influence over their own citizens within Chinese territory.

The term "indemnity" refers to a payment made to compensate for damages or losses suffered by someone. In the context of the given options, indemnity is the most relevant term as it directly relates to the concept of compensating the injured party for damages. The other options, such as "spheres of influence," "extraterritoriality," "Boxers," and "Open Door policy," do not directly address the concept of payment for damages. Therefore, indemnity is the correct answer.

The Boxers were members of a Chinese secret organization who rose up in rebellion against foreign influence in China during the late 19th century. They were opposed to the spheres of influence, extraterritoriality, and indemnity imposed by foreign powers. The Boxers believed in the preservation of Chinese culture and traditions and sought to expel all foreigners from the country. The Open Door policy, on the other hand, was a proposal by the United States to ensure equal trading rights for all nations in China, which was in direct opposition to the goals of the Boxers.

In order to improve their balance of trade with China, the British sold opium to the Chinese. This was during the time of the Opium Wars, when the British East India Company smuggled opium into China in large quantities. The addictive nature of opium led to a significant increase in demand among the Chinese population, which resulted in a trade imbalance heavily favoring the British. The Chinese government eventually banned the importation and use of opium, leading to military conflicts between China and Britain.

The Open Door policy was a proposal made by Hay to ensure equal access to Chinese markets. It aimed to prevent any one country from dominating China and its markets by advocating for open trade and equal economic opportunities for all nations. This policy was significant in promoting fair competition and preventing the carving up of China into separate spheres of influence by various foreign powers.

As a result of China losing the first Opium War to Britain, several significant outcomes occurred. Britain received Hong Kong as a result of the Treaty of Nanking. Additionally, five ports were opened to British trade, allowing for increased economic influence in China. Furthermore, China was required to pay for the cost of the war as part of the treaty. However, the British in China did not accept Chinese laws, as they enjoyed extraterritoriality, meaning they were subject to British laws rather than Chinese laws.

In the treaty of Tianjin, China agreed to legalize trade in opium. This agreement allowed foreign countries, particularly Britain, to import and sell opium in China. The legalization of opium trade was a significant concession by the Chinese government, as it had previously attempted to ban the drug due to its detrimental effects on society. This concession ultimately led to the widespread addiction and social problems caused by opium in China during that time period.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, various foreign powers, including Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and Japan, sought to expand their influence in China. These powers carved out specific regions within China where they had exclusive trading rights and significant control over political and economic affairs. These regions were known as spheres of influence. This division of exclusive trading rights with China allowed foreign powers to exploit Chinese resources and exert their dominance over the country.

The "self-strengthening" reforms implemented by the Qing dynasty aimed to modernize and strengthen China in response to Western imperialism. One of the key components of these reforms was the adoption of Western technology. The Qing government recognized the need to acquire and incorporate Western knowledge and innovations in order to catch up with the advanced industrialized nations. This involved importing machinery, establishing modern industries, and promoting the study of Western sciences and techniques. By adopting Western technology, the Qing dynasty hoped to enhance China's military, economic, and technological capabilities.

The Qing dynasty was weakened by war with Japan, disputes with Russia, and warlord independence. However, a changing value system did not directly contribute to the weakening of the dynasty. While societal changes and shifts in values may have played a role in creating discontent and opposition to the Qing rule, it was not a direct factor in their loss of power.