Explain how and why imperialism was different in India and China.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperialism_in_Asia
Imperialism refers to the policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, economic dominance, or political control. The imperialistic experiences in India and China were different due to several factors:
1. Historical Background:
a. India: India had a long history of diverse kingdoms and empires, which were invaded by several foreign powers such as the Mughals, British, and French. This history of foreign influences laid the groundwork for further imperialistic interventions.
b. China: China, on the other hand, had a strong centralized empire, the Qing Dynasty, which lasted for centuries. They managed to resist foreign invasions and maintained a sense of cultural and political sovereignty.
2. Imperialistic Motives:
a. India: The British East India Company initially aimed at establishing trade relations with India but gradually transformed into a colonial power, motivated by economic exploitation, resource extraction, and control over Indian markets.
b. China: Imperialistic motivations in China were mainly driven by economic gains, as Western powers sought to exploit Chinese resources and establish trading privileges. However, unlike India, political dominance was not a major objective as the Chinese imperial system was resistant to foreign influences.
3. Methods of Control:
a. India: The British implemented direct colonial rule in India, where British officials governed territories and established administrative structures that maximized their control. The British also exploited India's resources, undermined local industries, and imposed economic policies that favored their own interests.
b. China: Western powers, such as Britain, France, Germany, and later Japan, implemented a different approach known as "spheres of influence." They demanded territorial concessions, extraterritoriality (where foreigners were not subject to Chinese law) and established control over key economic centers. Unlike India, China did not experience direct British-style colonial rule.
4. Resistance and Nationalism:
a. India: The imperialistic policies of Britain sparked numerous revolts, uprisings, and eventually a strong nationalist movement led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi. These resistance movements, along with other factors, eventually paved the way for India's independence.
b. China: China also witnessed resistance movements, such as the Boxer Rebellion, against foreign influences. However, the nationalist movement gained momentum much later, in the early 20th century, when figures like Sun Yat-sen and later Mao Zedong led revolutionary movements to overthrow the last Qing dynasty and later establish the People's Republic of China.
In summary, the imperialistic experiences in India and China differed due to their distinct historical backgrounds, motives behind imperialistic interventions, methods of control implemented by the colonial powers, and the response from the local populations. These differences shaped the nature and outcomes of imperialism in both countries.