Imperialism and China - 2269 Words

Imperialism’s effects on China has always been controversial and debatable. Andrew Nathan’s article on Imperialism’s Effects on China explains imperialism’s positive contributions to modern day China and defends the theory that China’s difficulties are caused by internal factors rather than external. On the other hand, Joseph Esherick’s Harvard on China: The Apologetics of Imperialism argues that China’s economic and social disruptions are caused by imperialism. However, when one examines the evidence chosen and rhetoric of both sides, one may realize the faults in Nathan’s essay which are not shown in Esherick’s. Esherick, as opposed to Nathan, delivers his arguments and defends his stance in a well-rounded manner along with wise usage of†¦show more content†¦However, he does agree with Nathan on one positive effect of imperialism: â€Å"the very struggle to eliminate the economic, political, social, and psycho logical vestiges of imperialism produced the basis of sustained, self-reliant economic and political growth.† A thorough analysis of the weaknesses and strengths of each essay is necessary to prove that one side is more convincing. Nathan has two main strengths, the first is laying out the historical background. He mentions the six institutions established by the foreign nations – the treaty ports, spheres of influence, other restrictions on Chinese sovereignty, the financial drain, the missionary invasion. Under each topic, he acknowledges the negative impacts they had on China; for instance, â€Å"the atmosphere of the treaty ports were strongly racist†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"the treaties involved China in financial obligations to foreigners that were crippling to government finance.† With this evidence, the readers gain a brief understanding of the historical background. His second strength is clarity. He responds to and outlines the propositions made by his opp onents. He begins by responding to economic arguments on mass pauperization, then to the assumption of stifling economic growth in the late Qing dynasty, and the statement that imperialism causedShow MoreRelatedImperialism in India and China1234 Words   |  5 PagesBritish imperialism in China and India brought very different responses, in part because of the nature of imperialism in each place. While both regions were greatly influenced by the British, in India the country was placed under the direct rule of the Queen. 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