China's Economy . Thematic Study of the Economy split into the economy under the Qing, the Republic, Mao and Deng. The OCR A Level China paper has two 25 markers which should be structured thematically so the course should be studied thematically rather than chronologically.
Potential Subthemes
Ideology
Foreign Influence
Middle class
Industry
Government Involvement
Trade
Agriculture
Chinese economy in 1839
Agrarian Issues
o China’s internal economy was almost entirely agriculture
o Predominantly peasant society, dependent on landowners.
o Rapidly growing population put pressure on
Trade
o was some foreign commerce and it was increasing, raising an annual 4%.
o Exports: furs, tobacco, porcelain, tea, Chinoiserie and tea becoming very
popular in Europe.
o Little government support for trade, preference for self-reliance
Impact of the First Opium War + Unequal Treaties
Concessions like the $21 million demanded in the Treaty of Nanjing put significant
economic pressure on Chinese Government (already running low on funds due to imbalance
in Opium trade)
, 50 Treaty Ports forced open by Unequal Treaties, and China was forced to further
increase trade with the west – losing even more money.
Huge increase in opium trade was part of this.
A class of Chinese ‘compradors’ developed, who had willingly worked with Western
companies in return for higher wages and expanded career opportunities. Early expansion of
a sort of ‘middle class separate from the rural landlords.
Developments in Manchu China
Some rail development during Self Strengthening Movement.
o E.g. first commercially operated railroad opened in Shanghai in 1876.
Rapid development 1895-1911, stimulated by defeat in first Sino-Japanese war, as the
government recognised the importance of modernisations and had to grant concessions to
build railways.
90% of population lived by agriculture.
Famine incredibly common – problem for agriculture-dependent economy.
Taiping Rebellion destroyed granary system, putting population at risk of famine,
flooding, drought and pestilence.
Introduction of sweet potatoes as a new food supply reduced increasing hunger and the
frequency of revolts.
Other focuses of self-strengthening movement:
o Advancing commerce by deals with foreign companies
o Developing financial strength through joint-stock companies
o Expanding textiles and mining industries
o Improving carrying trade
o Building railways
o Expanding communications system
Middle Class development in late Manchu Period
o Because of economic development, primarily due to Self-Strengthening Movement -
number 1.5 million by 1900
Imperial Bank of China opened in 1897 – attracted foreign investment and won the
confidence of Chinese businessmen
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