Century of Humiliation

Definition

The Century of Humiliation refers to the period from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century when China faced foreign intervention, territorial concessions, and a significant decline in sovereignty. This era was marked by a series of unequal treaties, military defeats, and internal strife, profoundly impacting China's national identity and its relations with foreign powers during the imperial age.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Century of Humiliation began with the First Opium War (1839-1842) and continued until the end of World War II in 1945.
2. During this period, China was forced to sign numerous unequal treaties that ceded territory such as Hong Kong to foreign powers.
3. China experienced significant internal turmoil, including the Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864) and Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901), which weakened the Qing Dynasty's control.
4. The Century of Humiliation deeply influenced Chinese nationalism and contributed to movements aimed at reforming or overthrowing the Qing Dynasty.
5. The legacy of this period continues to shape China's foreign relations and national pride, as many Chinese view it as a time of victimization by foreign powers.

Review Questions

• How did the Opium Wars contribute to the start of the Century of Humiliation for China?
  • The Opium Wars were pivotal in initiating the Century of Humiliation as they demonstrated China's military weakness against Western powers. The First Opium War led to China's defeat by Britain and resulted in the Treaty of Nanking, which imposed harsh terms on China, including ceding Hong Kong and opening several ports to British trade. This marked the beginning of a series of unequal treaties that further eroded Chinese sovereignty and initiated a long period of foreign dominance.
• Analyze how internal strife during the Century of Humiliation affected China's ability to respond to foreign intervention.
  • Internal strife such as the Taiping Rebellion and the Boxer Rebellion severely weakened China's central authority and military capability during the Century of Humiliation. These rebellions drained resources and attention away from dealing with external threats, making it easier for foreign powers to exploit China's vulnerabilities. The lack of a unified response allowed Western nations to impose their demands without significant resistance from a fractured Chinese state.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Century of Humiliation on modern Chinese national identity and its approach to international relations.
  • The Century of Humiliation has left a lasting mark on modern Chinese national identity, fostering a strong sense of nationalism rooted in historical grievances against foreign powers. This period is often invoked in political discourse to highlight issues related to sovereignty and territorial integrity. Consequently, China's approach to international relations has been shaped by a desire to prevent any recurrence of past humiliations, leading to assertive policies aimed at reclaiming influence and securing its position on the global stage.

Related terms

Opium Wars:

Two conflicts between China and Western powers (mainly Britain) in the mid-19th century over trade disputes, which resulted in significant territorial and economic concessions for the foreign powers.

Unequal Treaties:

A series of treaties imposed on China by Western powers and Japan that favored the foreign powers at China's expense, leading to loss of territory, rights, and economic control.

Sino-Japanese War:

A conflict between China and Japan (1894-1895) that showcased China's military weakness and resulted in significant territorial losses for China, further contributing to the Century of Humiliation.