Day+1

** Topic: China’s Response to Challenges from the West since 1840 (1840-1911) **
====__ ** __Background__ ** __: The watershed between ancient Chinese history and modern Chinese history is the Opium War. This war is actually an encounter between the East and West. After the Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, Industrial Revolutions and imperialist expansion, the West emerged as a dominant force in the world. In contrast, Chinese civilization declined significantly from a superior position to an inferior status because of its own Sino-centric mentality, conservatism and isolation, as well as aggressive challenges from the West. In the 18th century, the event of Macartney's meeting Emperor Qianlong indicated the beginning of a clash between the West and Chinese civilization. Macartney's diplomatic efforts failed to bring free trade with China. But during the 19th century, the British cannon - policy forced China to open her doors. Chinese civilization met this unprecedented challenge from the West with humiliation that lasted for one century. During this period of Western culture rejection and then gradual acceptance, the Chinese mindset experienced painful and radical changes. The Chinese were forced to re-evaluate, devalue and finally re-appreciate their own culture from the 18th century to the present day.__ __====