Question 13GS1GS1
How did the "Century of Humiliation" (1839-1949) shape modern China's national identity and its approach to foreign relations? Discuss with reference to key events. (Answer in 250 words)
Introduction
Century of Humiliation was a period in Chinese history when China was subjugated economically, politically and socially by imperial powers.
20 words
Main Body
Century of Humiliation :
1Opium wars by Britain to open Chinese market for opium.
2Japanese invasion during 1905 and again in World War II.
3Chinese culture was belittled through assimilation.
Impact on shaping Chinese national identity :
1Strengthened Chinese patriotism based on domestic cultural heritage like Taoism.
2"Middle country syndrome" to gain back its glory through economic rise once again.
3Controlled State (Communist party control) to ensure prosperity/development over rights.
4Mao used peasant distinction due to "century of humiliation" to cause Chinese revolution in 1945.
5feed to shift of China identity from bygone separatism to nationalist/common identity.
6Chiang Kai Shek - Chinese nationalist poetry (Kao Mao tang) came to power in 1917.
Impact on foreign relations :
1Suspension of imperial power lead China adopt autonomous foreign policy during cold war & part of Non-aligned Movement.
2Concern over territories/sovereignty due to past invasion by Japan lead to Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1950.
3Concern over territorial sovereignty due to past invasion by Japan lead to Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1950.
3Safeguarding national market from foreign goods due to past experience of opium war => cases high tariff / non-tariff barriers.
4Leadership of global south on issue of decolonization, agriculture subsidies & WTO due to shared colonial experience.
5Belt & Carrier diplomacy is 21st century to delegitized its core interests.
6Chinese expansionism based on its middle country syndrome, food deficit slicing tactics and expansion of south china sea.
253 words17 paragraphs
Conclusion
Xi Jinping recently said that China is entering 'century of prosperity', highlighting the necessity of 'century of humiliation' in Chinese collective memory.
22 words
- Clear structured answer with three key events
- Distinguishes between events and their impacts
- Mentions cultural aspects (Taoism) as response mechanism
- Covers both military and cultural dimensions
Topper
Animesh Jain
AIR 63
Subject & Paper
GS1GS1
Topic
History of the World
Modern China and Imperialism
Century of Humiliation (1839-1949)
Writing Stats
295
Total words
17
Paragraphs