Imperialism in Asia

Question

Analyze the imperialism of China, Japan, and India around the time of the 19th century. How did the elites react to it? How was nationalism an important part of the greater picture?

Answer 1

China, Japan and India all resisted European imperialism during the 19th century. In India's case, it was unsuccessful, as Britain consolidated its power over the subcontinent in 1857 with the British Raj. China fought two Opium Wars with Britain, and when it lost, it was forced to cede the port of Hong Kong. Japan opened to the West following the arrival of Commodore Perry's fleet. During the Meiji Restoration, Japan quickly began to modernize and militarize, leading to the conquest of Korea and Manchuria and eventually World War II.