In pairs review the information and tasks on this page: 1. The nature and structure of imperial rule under the Qing dynasty; Qianlong 

Plan the following essay question:

Examine the challenges faced by the Qing dynasty by the end of the 19th Century

In pairs review the material covered in this section.  Draft essay plans for the following three questions; you can use the charts to assist your thinking.

1. To what extent were the Opium Wars caused by China’s attitude towards diplomacy and trade? 

2. 'The British were responsible for the outbreak of the Opium Wars’ Discuss. 

3. Examine the consequences of the Opium Wars

To what extent did the Treaty of Nanking mark a departure from China's pattern of international relations?

• In pairs, consider each of the following introductions for this essay.
• Which do you consider to be the best and why? Could you still improve on this introduction?
• How would you improve the other introductions?

(You may want to start by reminding yourselves what should be included in an introduction: 1. Essay writing for Paper 3 )

Introduction One

The Treaty of Nanking was signed in 1842 at the end of the First Opium War. the Treaty was imposed by the victors of the First Opium War upon the vanquished at gunpoint. From the written agreement on paper, the Treaty of Nanking was a departure from China's traditional pattern of international relations. However, in practice the changes made proved to have a minimal effect on Chinese trade patterns and attitudes  and on the whole things remained mainly as they had been before the Treaty was signed. In order to successfully explore as to whether or not the Treaty of Nanking was a departure from China's traditional pattern of international relations we must first look at China's original pattern of international relations followed by the changes that were brought about on the singing of the Treaty of Nanking.

Introduction Two

The Treaties of Nanking came about due to the war that occurred between Great Britain and China at that time. These treaties enforced upon the Chinese what the Western powers wanted. However the Chinese did not learn from their first underestimation of the European powers and therefore had to suffer a second defeat at their hands a few years down the line.

Introduction Three

The Treaty of Nanking was the result of the first Opium War fought between the Chinese and the British in 1839 over different issues such as the illegal import of opium into China. Some historians such as Hsu argue that this treaty was the departure of China's traditional pattern of international relationships whilst other historians such as Gray argue that it did not change the system for the Chinese.

Introduction Four

In this essay I shall be taking a look at how the Treaty of Nanking as well as the other 'unequal treaties' had a effect on changing China's traditional pattern of relations with other countries.

Introduction Five

The Treaty of Nanking, being the first unequal treaty to have been forced upon China after years of extreme isolation from the West, was certainly an important event in the history of Chinese diplomatic relations. A foreign power, for the first time, challenged China with its superior technology and was able to finally open the 'closed doors' to satisfy some of its trading needs. Although this marked a fundamental change within China and its relationship with the West, China itself continued to cling onto its traditional beliefs which greatly questions how far indeed this first treaty was a departure from international relations.

In pairs consider the chart below and create an essay plan for the the following:

 ‘Western forces were ultimately responsible for the defeat of the Taiping’? To what extent do you agree with this statement?

2.

In pairs draft an essay plan for the following question:

Evaluate the reasons for, and the consequences of, the failure of the Taiping Rebellion.

You can use the bullets in the chart below as a starting point for your essay plan

In pairs, plan the following question. Use your work for the final task on this page to help you: 6. The fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate, 1853 to 1868 

Evaluate the reasons for the overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogunate

Click on the eye for a suggested plan for the main body of the essay