Question

Though China has historically always been a strong and independent empire, which cultural and religious influences spread into the country during the 1800s?

Answer 1

In the 1800s, China was influenced by European colonialism and Japanese expansion, leading to spheres of influence and the spread of Christianity, culminating in the fall of the Qing Dynasty.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the 1800s, China was influenced culturally and religiously by several external forces despite its long history of being an independent and strong empire. The Qing Dynasty saw an erosion of its cultural integrity through outside intrusion, especially by European colonial powers and later by Japan. Europeans established spheres of influence within China, facilitating the spread of Christianity through missionary activities. Moreover, foreign treaties imposed during the Opium Wars forced China into an 'open door' policy, leading to increased Western presence and influence. European powers instigated claiming of territories and sought control over various Chinese ports, which led to major changes in the social and political fabric of China. The Sino-Japanese War further challenged Chinese sovereignty, with Japan asserting its own imperialistic interests after a rapid industrialization and modernization. Cultural and religious influences during this time period significantly affected traditional Chinese society and paved the way for the eventual fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911.