Where: China

When: 19th century

Why and How: In the 19th century, China faced internal strife, economic instability, and external pressures from Western powers. The Opium Wars (1839-1842, 1856-1860) with Britain and other Western powers forced China to open its ports and grant extraterritorial rights to foreigners. This weakened the Qing Dynasty's control and created opportunities for foreign powers to exert influence over China's affairs.

Where: Various regions of China

When: Late 19th to early 20th century

Why and How: Western powers, including Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and Japan, secured territorial concessions and spheres of influence in China through a series of unequal treaties, military interventions, and economic exploitation. These powers established colonies, leased territories, and controlled key ports, railways, and industries to further their economic and strategic interests.

Where: Throughout China

When: Late 19th to mid-20th century

Why and How: Imperialist powers used various methods to control, oppress, and exploit China. This included military occupation, extraterritorial rights, unequal treaties, economic exploitation through trade imbalances and unequal tariffs, cultural imperialism, and political interference. The exploitation of Chinese labor, resources, and markets further enriched colonial powers at the expense of the Chinese people.

Where: Across China

When: Late 19th to mid-20th century

Why and How: Chinese people resisted colonial rule through various means, including nationalist movements, uprisings, and intellectual resistance. The Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901) was a notable anti-colonial uprising against foreign influence in China. Additionally, intellectuals and reformers like Sun Yat-sen advocated for modernization, nationalism, and the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty to resist foreign domination.

Where: Throughout China

When: Mid-20th century

Why and How: China's decolonization process began with the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911 and the establishment of the Republic of China. However, the country faced internal strife, invasion by Japan during World War II, and civil war between the Nationalists (led by Chiang Kai-shek) and the Communists (led by Mao Zedong). The Chinese Communist Party emerged victorious in 1949, leading to the establishment of the People's Republic of China. Taiwan, however, remained under Nationalist control. The Communist victory marked the end of foreign colonization and the beginning of China's independence and self-determination.