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)
Main Body
Chinese 'Century of Humiliation' was marked by loss in sovereign power to Western nations like Britain and France shaped China's modern identity.
Role in National Identity:
1Helped unite population to tackle foreign enemies
2Social reform and uprising under leader Mao Zedong was formed on the basis of countering Western capitalism by Communist ideology
3Social decline in that period solidified national desire for promoting welfare and resisting Western imperialism
Social welfare that Lao Zedong shaped
1It sparked a culture of self-reliance and self-sufficiency in Chinese population
It has shaped China's modern foreign policy in a significant way
1China's non-alignment to Western blocs is dependent on past experiences
2Trade protectionism on external imports is in response to avoid "Opium epidemic" of the 19th century
3China favors engagement with other exploited countries like South East Asia and Africa to solidify resistance to Western neo-imperialism
4Recent Military dominance of the Other is to not repeat losses in the "Opium Wars"
5China uses a centrally planned economy and polity to avoid "divide and rule" as in the 19th century and resist foreign influence
6Excursions into East and South China Sea form a basis of territorial sovereignty and avoid repeating the Opium Wars naval defeat.
Hence the Western Oppression and internal shift of the "Century of Humiliation" have shaped China's modern identity and entire ideology.
229 words5 paragraphs
Answer continues on next page
- Identifies the key role of Western imperialism in shaping national consciousness
- Connects ideology formation to humiliation experience
- Links historical trauma to modern political orientation
- Strong thematic connections between historical trauma and modern policy
- Comprehensive coverage of multiple policy dimensions
- Clear cause-effect relationships established
Topper
Varun Tokas
AIR 117
Subject & Paper
GS1GS1
Topic
History of the World
Colonization, Decolonization
China's Century of Humiliation and National Identity
Writing Stats
229
Total words
5
Paragraphs
analytical and systematic
Tone