9.6 Imperialism in South and East Asia

Notes

European powers also took control of much of Asia, and Asian peoples resisted.

• India: the British East India Company controlled much of India by the mid-1800s. Indian soldiers (sepoys) rebelled in the Sepoy Rebellion (1857), partly over rumors that rifle cartridges were greased with cow and pig fat, offensive to Hindus and Muslims.
• Afterward, the British government ruled India directly (the British Raj, 1858). Britain built railroads but drained wealth and destroyed local textile industries. The Indian National Congress (1885) began organizing for self-rule.
• China: Britain sold opium from India in China to balance its trade. When China tried to stop it, Britain won the First Opium War (1839 to 1842).
• The Treaty of Nanjing (1842) gave Hong Kong to Britain and opened ports. This was the first of many unequal treaties, including extraterritoriality (foreigners tried under their own laws).
• The Taiping Rebellion (1850 to 1864) killed millions. Foreign powers carved out spheres of influence, and the U.S. proposed the Open Door Policy (1899).
• The Boxer Rebellion (1900) tried to drive out foreigners but was crushed by an international force.
• Southeast Asia: France took Indochina; the Dutch controlled the East Indies. Siam (Thailand) stayed independent.