Manchus and Imperialism: The Qing Dynasty in The Cambridge Illustrated History of China by Ebrey - Essay Example

The paper "Manchus and Imperialism: The Qing Dynasty in The Cambridge Illustrated History of China by Ebrey" is a worthy example of a book review on history. This chapter states that a dynasty was established outside China from what is known as Manchuria. It significant to note here that, after 300 years Japanese are reported to have invaded Manchuria in the wake of the Second World War. Further, this chapter talks about the Manchu rule. It states that Manchu were never like Mongols despite the fact that they used the Mongol’s alphabet. Nurchaci was founded by the Manchu nation. Hong Taiji who was the son of Nurchaci was the founder of the Qing dynasty. Manchu is reported to have conquered the north and then later move to the south. The chapter continues to state that Kangxi who was the next Qing Emperor (1662-1722) is the one responsible for allowing Christianity into China. In the context of culture and society; they were more conservative, artistically creative, and Confucian orthodoxy. The chapter also discusses maritime trade and relations with the European nations. China morphs being rivaled by the European nations. The European intend to trade tea, silk, and porcelain among others with China. However, China did not have any interest in trading with the western nations. 

The chapter also discusses the opium war of 1840 to 1842. The opium was used by the British into bringing their balance of trade within the line. Opium is stating to have been disastrous to the people of China. Hong Kong is reported to have ceded to the British and became the most favored nation treatment from China. Consequently, the chapter also talks about the Chinese in the Diaspora. It indicates that there was out-migration from China into the other areas of Southeast Asia. Moreover, the Coolies who were considered to be bitter laborers also migrated to the other parts of the world. The chapter also discusses the total humiliation of China from 1894 to 1900. The first humiliation was the Japanese defeated the Chinese navy that resulted in Taiwan and Liaodong ceding to the Japanese. Russia and Europe went after the remaining pieces of China. Finally, Empress Dowager Cixi added to the problems faced by China. Finally, the chapter talks about the Boxer Rebellion of 1900 to 1901. The Chinese were responding to foreign interference. Nevertheless, this attempt to regain control over their control made the conditions worse when America and Europe managed to put down the rebellion. Read More