Disputes w

Apuntes

•Disputes with China over imperial expansion The opening up of China to Western influence In 1842, the Treaty of Nanking forced China to cede Hong Kong to Britain, open five coastal cities to foreign trade, and buy opium from India. Over the next 50 years, China was compelled to open eleven more ports through the 1860 Peking treaties, increasing Western influence in China. •Russian expansion into China By 1860, Russia expanded into Chinese territory in the Amur and Maritime provinces. Russia aimed to control Manchuria, open its markets to Russian goods, and secure an ice-free port in Korea. Britain opposed this, as it controlled China’s maritime trade. When Russia began building the Trans-Siberian railway in 1891, it gained the ability to send troops to support its claims. Unlike in Africa, Britain faced a strong land military power in Russia. Russia was backed by France and Germany, while Britain’s only ally was Japan, which also viewed Russia’s moves as a threat. •Japanese and Russia expansion in China and its impact on international relations Japan opposed Russia’s influence over Manchuria and Korea. Exploiting a rebellion against the government, Japan sent troops to cr...