(4/9) reading

Question 1

What are the main ideas concerning the weakening of the Qing Dynasty?

Answer 1

• Weakening of the Qing
• Increasing internal problems
• Foreign pressure

Both internal instability and Western imperialism are leading to the weakening of Qing rule.

Question 2

During the Qing period, China’s population increased, leading to pressure on _______.

Answer 2

• Land
• Food supply
• Jobs

The massive population increase resulted in economic strain and social tension.

Question 3

What are the economic consequences of the population increase during the Qing period?

Answer 3

• Shortage of farmland
• Many peasants become poor
• Many peasants fall into debt

These consequences contributed to social tension and instability.

Question 4

What are the two main social problems faced during the Qing Dynasty?

Answer 4

• Rising inequality
• Corruption

Wealth gap increases as rich landowners gain power while poor peasants struggle.

Question 5

The White Lotus Rebellion was fueled by which factors?

Answer 5

• Poverty
• Dissatisfaction

This religious-based rebellion shows spreading dissatisfaction among the masses.

Question 6

Who was the leader of the Taiping Rebellion?

Answer 6

Hong Xiuquan

He claimed to be the brother of Jesus and led one of the most brutal rebellions in history.

Question 7

What were the causes of the Taiping Rebellion?

Answer 7

• Poverty
• Inequality
• Discontent with the Qing government

The rebellion resulted in millions killed and massive destruction.

Question 8

What was the result of the First Opium War (1839–1842)?

Answer 8

• China loses
• Treaty of Nanjing signed

China was forced to open ports, hand over Hong Kong to Britain, and allow foreign trade.

Question 9

What did the Second Opium War lead to?

Answer 9

Further compromise to Western forces

This further weakened Qing rule.

Question 10

What are the key issues related to the Opium Crisis?

Answer 10

• Silver outflow
• Addiction
• Government failure

These issues contributed to the economic damage and social decline of the Qing state.

Question 11

What was Xu Naiji’s main argument regarding legalization of opium?

Answer 11

• Stop silver loss
• Control the trade
• Realistic approach

He believed that strict bans had failed and that legalization could regulate the trade.

Question 12

What was Zhu Zun’s main argument in support of a strict ban on opium?

Answer 12

• Protect society
• Moral argument
• National security

He viewed opium as a moral and political threat to the empire.

Question 13

What were the extreme punishments for selling opium as per the 1839 laws?

Answer 13

• Death (cutting off her head or strangulation)
• Severe punishment for smuggling or storing

The laws targeted dealers, users, and corrupt officials.

Question 14

What were the common causes of the rebellions in mid-1800s China?

Answer 14

• Poverty
• Famine
• Corruption of officials
• Social inequality

These factors contributed to widespread unrest and rebellion.

Question 15

What does the Mandate of Heaven signify in the context of rebellion?

Answer 15

The emperor does not fit to be moral anymore

This belief justified rebellion against the Qing rulers.

Question 16

What was the goal of the Anti-Footbinding Movement?

Answer 16

• Promote marriages between families with unbound daughters
• Encourage education for girls

The movement aimed to change social norms and family practices.

Question 17

What was Qiu Jin’s main argument regarding women’s liberation?

Answer 17

• Education for women
• Stop binding feet
• Become independent

She argued that the oppression of women was a societal issue that needed reform.

Question 18

What were the effects of opium as argued in the Anti-Opium Reform?

Answer 18

• Destroys health
• Destroys productivity
• Harms the economy

The author argued that the survival of China depended on ending opium.

Question 19

What was the reform strategy proposed for liberating slave girls?

Answer 19

• Buy no more slave girls
• Liberate existing slave girls

Women were encouraged to lead the movement for reform.