A Century of Humiliation 1839–1949: The Exploitation of China

Imperial and Republican China suffered centuries of exploitation by Europe, Japan, and the United States, leading to the 'Century of Humiliation' and the loss of territory, economic privileges, and millions of people becoming outcasts. These ordeals have shaped China's contemporary political worldview, manifested in revanchism towards Taiwan and other APAC countries, border disputes, and global economic aspirations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2024
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Imperial and Republican China suffered from territorial, economic, and political exploitation by Europe, Japan, and the United States from 1839 to 1949, known as the "Century of Humiliation." These shattering blows were achieved through a combination of threats, intimidation, and wars that resulted in "Unequal Treaties" that granted territorial concessions, extraterritorial rights, and other privileges, leaving China impotent and millions of its citizens outcasts in their own country. Thousands more were exploited in faraway lands, working as laborers on railways and plantations, and becoming collateral damage in foreign wars. As a result, the country faced dissolution and civil war as it struggled to throw off foreign domination. Beijings contemporary political worldview, which has been shaped by these ordeals, is characterized by bullish revanchism towards Taiwan and other parts of the Asia-Pacific (APAC), border disputes with states such as India, Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines, and wider global economic aspirations, stretching from Europe to Africa and beyond.

Weight: 604g
Dimension: 166 x 243 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398115989