External Factors and their Impact on China in the Nineteenth Century

Abstract

Modern Chinese history witnessed many historical events in the nineteenth century, that had significant direct and indirect impacts on the country, such as the first and second opium wars, the China-Japanese war and their consequences, resulting from the unequal treaties concluded by Western countries with China . These treaties led to the interference of these countries in Chinese domestic politics, imposed their restrictions on them and made them a semi - colonial state.                                            

Reformist ideas emerged in China as a result of the deterioration of the country's general conditions . Two trends emerged: the first called for reform while preserving traditional Chinese heritage , while the second relied on adopting Western philosophy and principles for reform.                                                                                                 

Under the influence of intellectuals open to Western civilization, Chinese government implemented several internal reforms aimed at strengthening the country politically and economically to confront these challenges . However , these reforms did not continue due to the lack of prior planning and the opposition they faced from conservative internal opposition forces , thus leading to the end of the Manchu Empire.