ImperialismPart #2:

Asia

WHII #23

India• Britain’s most

important imperial territory. Due to wealthy trade industry.

• Over 60% of India was controlled by the British Empire for several centuries.

• British traders banded together to form the British East India Company.They controlled all trade in India and began making political-type moves.

India• East India Company required sepoys

(Indian soldiers trained and commanded by British leaders) to serve in the British military at home and abroad. Many offenses pushed the sepoys to rebel.

• Sepoy Rebellion (1857) -

Fought against British rule and slaughtered many men, women, and children. British put down the revolt and exacted terrible revenge, often on unarmed Indians.

Rebellion enhances Indian nationalism and pushes India to form the Indian National Congress.

1858 – Parliament ends E.I.C. rule and puts India under control of the crown.

China• For many years China was an advanced civilization, but

did not seek much trade with Europeans.

During the Age of Imperialism many European nations wanted to increase trade with China (especially due to easier access through the Suez).

• Britain began importing Opium into China.

Chinese government resisted this import, executed opium dealers and insisted England stop trading the drug. The British claimed free trade and refused to discontinue trade.

Ships clashed in Chinese harbors and thus began the Opium War over trading rights. (Britain won).

China • Like in Africa there was a European scramble to claim “rights” to areas in China.

Since the Chinese were defenseless against European numbers and technology they were forced to sign “agreements” granting certain countries trade rights to specific regions.

Spheres of Influence – European nations had exclusive trade rights in different zones of China.

China• Anti-Imperialism in

China grew and in 1899 the Righteous Harmonious Fists led an uprising against all foreigners:

• Boxer Rebellion (1899) The rebellion failed, but spurred Chinese nationalism. “Boxers”→

• Led by the U.S., non-Chinese nations agreed on an “Open Door Policy,” which kept trade with China open and equal to all nations.

Japan• Japan was an isolationist country until 1853

when the U.S. reached a trade agreement with them.

• Commodore Perry of the U.S. Navy signed the agreement after sailing into Tokyo Harbor.

• Japan then joined the western nations in seeking new territory;

especially in China.

Satsuma Rebellion• As Japan Westernized,

the ruling Samurai class wanted to continue the traditional Japanese wayof life

• After a series of great battles, the noble samurai could not compete with the technology of the new Japanese army, especially guns

• The defeat of the samurai and shoguns brought westernization to Japan and started the Meiji Restoration (industrialization and modernization of Japan)