Section A: Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks)
Q1. What were the two main policies adopted by colonial powers in China?
Ans: The two main policies adopted by colonial powers in China were:
- Opium Trade
- Open Door Policy
Q2. Why did British traders import opium to China?
Ans: Chinese silk, tea, and earthenware were in great demand in Europe, giving China huge profits. Since there was nothing to import from Europe to China, European traders suffered losses. To remedy this, British traders imported opium, an intoxicant, to China to balance their trade deficit.
Q3. What was the Open Door Policy?
Ans: The Open Door Policy was proclaimed by John Hay, the State Secretary of USA, at the end of the 19th century. As per this policy, America argued for equal rights and opportunities for all countries in the Chinese market. The real aim was to create an opportunity for the USA to interfere in China.
Q4. What was the Boxer Rebellion? Ans: In 1900, some secret organisations in China revolted against the Manchu dynasty and foreign interference. The emblem of these organisations was the Boxer's fist, so this revolt is known as the Boxer Rebellion. Though it failed, it stimulated later revolutions.
Q5. Who led the 1911 revolution in China and what was its result?
Ans: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen led the 1911 revolution against the Manchu Dynasty. This revolution ended monarchy in China and established a republican government in Southern China under the Kuomintang party.
Q6. State the three ideologies of Sun Yat-Sen.
Ans: The three ideologies of Sun Yat-Sen were:
- Nationalism: To expel the Manchu dynasty and imperial powers
- Democracy: To establish democratic rule
- Socialism: To control capital and distribute land equally
Q7. What was the Long March?
Ans: The Long March was an adventurous journey of around 12,000 kilometres undertaken by Mao Zedong and the Communist Party in 1934. It started from Kiangsi in South China and ended at Yanan in North Western China. During this journey, they seized agricultural land from lords and distributed it among farmers.
Q8. When did China become the People's Republic of China?
Ans: China became the People's Republic of China on 1st October 1949 under the leadership of Mao Zedong.
Section B: Short Essay Questions (5 marks)
Q9. Explain how the Opium Trade affected China economically and socially.
Ans: The Opium Trade had devastating effects on China:
Economic Impact:
- China had been enjoying huge profits from exporting silk, tea, and earthenware to Europe
- The import of opium disrupted China's favourable trade balance
- Chinese people spent money on buying opium instead of productive activities
- This led to the economic subjugation of China to foreign powers
Social Impact:
- Opium consumption made Chinese people mentally imbalanced
- It created widespread addiction among the population
- The mental health of Chinese society deteriorated significantly
- This resulted in the mental subjugation of the Chinese people
- Society became weak and unable to resist foreign domination effectively
The opium trade was thus a deliberate strategy by European powers, particularly Britain, to weaken China both economically and socially.
Q10. Describe the role of Sun Yat-Sen in the Chinese Revolution.
Ans: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen played a crucial role in the Chinese Revolution:
Revolutionary Leadership:
- Led the 1911 revolution against the Manchu Dynasty
- Successfully ended monarchy in China after centuries of imperial rule
- Established the Kuomintang party and republican government in Southern China
Ideological Contribution:
- Formulated three important ideologies: Nationalism, Democracy, and Socialism
- Wanted to expel foreign powers and establish China's independence
- Aimed to create democratic institutions and equal distribution of land
Policy Reforms:
- Decided to nullify unjust treaties signed with foreign countries
- Wanted to maintain equality with Western countries
- Adopted measures for the progress of agriculture and industry
- Established cooperation with Russia and helped form the Chinese Communist Party
Sun Yat-Sen is remembered as the father of modern China for his revolutionary leadership and progressive ideologies.
Q11. Why did cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communists break down?
Ans: The cooperation between Kuomintang and Communists broke down due to several reasons:
Change in Leadership:
- After Sun Yat-Sen's death, Chiang Kai-Shek became the head of the republic
- Unlike Sun Yat-Sen, Chiang Kai-Shek did not believe in cooperation with Communists
Policy Differences:
- Chiang Kai-Shek established military autocracy instead of democratic rule
- He gave opportunities for foreign powers, including America, to freely interfere in China
- This was against the nationalist ideology of expelling foreign powers
Economic Control:
- Coal and iron industries, banking, and foreign trade were controlled by foreign countries
- This contradicted the socialist ideology of controlling capital
Suppression of Communists:
- Communists protested against Chiang Kai-Shek's pro-foreign policies
- They were brutally suppressed by the Kuomintang government
- This forced the Communists to seek alternative leadership under Mao Zedong
Section C: Long Essay Questions (8-10 marks)
Q12. Analyse the causes and consequences of foreign interference in China during the 20th century.
Ans:
Causes of Foreign Interference:
Economic Motives:
- China had valuable resources like silk, tea, and earthenware that were in high demand in Europe
- European countries wanted to establish profitable trade relationships
- America wanted equal trading opportunities through the Open Door Policy
Weak Governance:
- The Manchu dynasty favoured foreign interference and domination
- Lack of strong resistance from the Chinese government initially
- Internal conflicts made it easier for foreign powers to divide and control China
Strategic Interests:
- European powers wanted to establish spheres of influence in Asia
- America wanted to compete with European colonial powers
- China's strategic location made it important for global trade routes
Consequences of Foreign Interference:
Economic Subjugation:
- Chinese economy became dependent on foreign trade
- Key industries like coal, iron, banking, and foreign trade were controlled by foreign countries
- Opium trade disrupted China's economic balance and created addiction problems
Political Fragmentation:
- China was divided into different regions controlled by various countries
- Loss of sovereignty and independence in decision-making
- Unjust treaties were imposed on China
Social and Cultural Impact:
- Mental subjugation of Chinese people through opium addiction
- Loss of traditional Chinese values and culture
- Growing resentment against foreign domination
Nationalist Response:
- Rise of revolutionary movements like the Boxer Rebellion
- Formation of nationalist parties like Kuomintang
- Eventually led to the communist revolution under Mao Zedong
Q13. Evaluate the role of Mao Zedong in the Chinese Revolution and the establishment of the People's Republic of China.
Ans:
Rise to Leadership: Mao Zedong emerged as the leader of the Chinese Communist Party when the cooperation between the Kuomintang and Communists broke down. He opposed Chiang Kai-Shek's pro-foreign policies and military autocracy.
The Long March (1934):
Planning and Execution:
- Organised the famous Long March from Kiangsi in South China to Yanan in North Western China
- The journey covered approximately 12,000 kilometres under extremely difficult conditions
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic planning abilities
Revolutionary Activities:
- Throughout the journey, seized agricultural land from landlords
- Distributed land among farmers, implementing socialist principles
- Built support base among rural population
Symbolic Significance:
- The Long March became a symbol of struggle against foreign powers
- Established Mao Zedong and the Communist Party as champions of Chinese independence
- Inspired millions of Chinese people to join the revolutionary movement
Victory and Establishment of People's Republic:
Military Success:
- Built the Red Army into a powerful fighting force
- Successfully fought against both Japanese invaders and Kuomintang forces
- Captured major cities and centres of Kuomintang rule
Political Achievement:
- Forced Chiang Kai-Shek to seek political asylum in Taiwan
- Established the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949
- Became the first Chairman of Communist China
Long-term Impact:
Land Reforms:
- Implemented comprehensive land redistribution policies
- Ended feudalism and gave land to peasants
- Improved agricultural productivity and rural living standards
Industrial Development:
- Focused on rapid industrialisation of China
- Developed heavy industries and infrastructure
- Made China self-reliant in key sectors
International Significance:
- Established China as a major world power
- Inspired communist movements in other Asian countries
- Changed the global balance of power during the Cold War
Social Transformation:
- Eliminated foreign domination and restored Chinese pride
- Implemented socialist policies for equality and development
- Transformed China from a semi-colonial country to an independent nation
Section D: Timeline and Map Work
Q14. Prepare a chronological timeline of major events in Chinese Revolution.
Ans:
- Late 19th century: European powers establish trade privileges in China; Open Door Policy proclaimed
- 1900: Boxer Rebellion against Manchu dynasty and foreign interference
- 1911: Revolution led by Dr. Sun Yat-Sen; End of monarchy; Establishment of Kuomintang republic
- Early 1920s: Formation of Chinese Communist Party; Cooperation between Kuomintang and Communists
- After Sun Yat-Sen's death: Chiang Kai-Shek becomes leader; Breakdown of cooperation with Communists
- 1934: Long March begins under Mao Zedong's leadership from Kiangsi to Yanan
- 1940s: Civil war between Communists and Kuomintang
- 1949: Chiang Kai-Shek flees to Taiwan; People's Republic of China established on October 1
Q15. Mark the following places on the map of China:
- Kiangsi (starting point of Long March)
- Yanan (ending point of Long March)
- Taiwan (where Chiang Kai-Shek took asylum)
- Beijing (capital of People's Republic of China)
Section E: Important Terms and Personalities
Opium Trade: British strategy to import opium to China to balance trade deficit, leading to Chinese addiction and economic subjugation.
Open Door Policy: American policy demanding equal trading rights in China for all foreign powers.
Kuomintang: Nationalist party established by Sun Yat-Sen that formed the first republican government in China.
Long March: 12,000 km journey by Mao Zedong and Communists from South to North-Western China in 1934.
Red Army: Communist military force led by Mao Zedong that eventually captured power in China.
Key Personalities:
- Sun Yat-Sen: Father of modern China, leader of 1911 revolution, founder of Kuomintang
- Chiang Kai-Shek: Successor of Sun Yat-Sen, established military autocracy, fled to Taiwan
- Mao Zedong: Communist leader, led Long March, first Chairman of People's Republic of China
- John Hay: American State Secretary who proclaimed the Open Door Policy
Section F: Comparison Questions
Q16. Compare the Russian Revolution and Chinese Revolution.
Ans:
Similarities:
- Both were against autocratic rule (Tsar in Russia, Manchu dynasty in China)
- Both were influenced by socialist and communist ideologies
- Both involved peasant participation and land redistribution
- Both established communist governments eventually
Differences:
- Russian Revolution was mainly against internal autocracy; Chinese Revolution was against both internal monarchy and foreign domination
- Russian Revolution was more urban-centred; Chinese Revolution was more rural-centred
- Russian Revolution happened in a shorter time span; Chinese Revolution took several decades
- Russian Revolution had two phases (February and October); Chinese Revolution had multiple phases over decades
Q17. How did foreign interference in China differ from other colonies?
Ans: Unlike other colonies where European powers established direct political control, in China they adopted different strategies:
- Opium Trade: Used economic means to weaken China rather than direct conquest
- Open Door Policy: Multiple powers shared influence rather than single colonial rule
- Spheres of Influence: China was divided into regions controlled by different powers
- Semi-colonial Status: China maintained nominal independence while being economically controlled
- Treaty System: Used unequal treaties rather than direct annexation