Final answer:
Chinese students learn that the Century of Humiliation was marked by Qing Dynasty's defeats in the Opium Wars, devastating internal rebellions such as the Taiping Rebellion, and failed attempts at internal reforms like the Hundred Days Reform.Option D is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chinese students learn about the Century of Humiliation as a period of profound national trauma and decline in China's international status. This era extended approximately from the first Opium War in 1839 to the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.
The Qing Dynasty's defeats in the Opium Wars demonstrated the vulnerability of China to foreign powers. As stipulated by treaties such as the Treaty of Tianjin, China was forced to pay indemnities and cede territories, which signaled a severe blow to the Qing's authority and the country's sovereignty. The introduction of opium and the resulting addiction among officials and the public further weakened the state's ability to effectively govern.
Internal uprisings, most notably the Taiping Rebellion, put additional pressure on the dynasty. The rebellion was led by Hong Xiuquan, who declared himself the brother of Jesus Christ and sought to overthrow the Qing government. This movement was characterized by extreme violence and also highlighted the internal strife within China, further compounding the effects of foreign intrusion.
The Qing's attempted response to address these challenges manifested in efforts like the Hundred Days Reform. However, internal resistance to these reforms, particularly from conservative forces within the government, led to the eventual abandonment of these efforts to modernize and resist foreign influence.