E.H. Gombrich 'A Little History of World' 37. Across the Seas

Summary

In 'A Little History of the World' by Gombrich, Chapter 37 explores the global impact of railways and steamships, which shrank the world and altered the course of history. It delves into the 19th-century China, Japan, and America, detailing China's resistance to foreign trade and the subsequent Opium Wars, Japan's Meiji Restoration that embraced Western technology while preserving its culture, and America's Civil War over slavery, leading to the abolition and the rise of the United States as a global power.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The world became more interconnected after 1800 due to advancements in railways and steamships, making distant lands like China and India more accessible.
• 🏛️ China remained largely unchanged from the time of the Han dynasty until the 1800s, maintaining its orderly and peaceful society under the influence of Confucian principles.
• 🛳️ European merchants and missionaries were initially welcomed in China, but the Chinese Emperor viewed European goods as unnecessary due to the self-sufficiency of the 'Celestial Empire'.
• 🚢 The British, unsatisfied with limited trade in China, used military force to demand more access, leading to the Opium Wars and the eventual opening of China to foreign trade.
• 🌿 The Taiping Rebellion in China was initially supported by Europeans but later suppressed when it threatened their interests, illustrating the complex and self-serving nature of European involvement.
• 🗾 Japan, similar to medieval Europe, underwent a power shift where noblemen and knights held actual power, and the Emperor was a figurehead.
• 🛡️ Japan's Meiji Restoration led to the modernization of the country, with the Emperor regaining power and adopting Western innovations to strengthen the nation.
• 🔥 The United States experienced westward expansion and the settling of the Wild West, leading to the formation of new states with varying economic and social structures.
• 🔒 The issue of slavery in the United States was a major point of conflict between the northern and southern states, with the latter relying heavily on slave labor for their plantations.
• ⚔️ The American Civil War, led by President Abraham Lincoln, was fought over the issue of slavery and resulted in the abolition of slavery and the reunification of the United States.

Q & A

How did the advent of railways and steamships change the world according to the script?

Railways and steamships made the world much smaller, making it easier to travel to distant places like India and China, which were no longer perilous adventures into the unknown.

What was China's general condition before 1800 as described in the script?

Before 1800, China was a mighty, orderly, proud, densely populated, largely peaceful land, inhabited by hard-working people including peasants, scholars, poets, and thinkers.

Who were the rulers of China during the time period discussed in the script?

During the time period discussed, China was ruled by foreign Emperors from the Manchu family, who had adopted Chinese ways and learned the guiding principles of Confucius.

What was the Chinese Emperor's response to the King of England's request for trade in 1793?

The Chinese Emperor responded by stating that the difference in customs and moral laws between China and England was profound, and that English goods were not needed in China as China possessed all things in abundance.

What was the British strategy to force trade with China as mentioned in the script?

The British strategy involved selling opium to the Chinese, which was addictive and dangerous. When the Chinese authorities tried to stop the trade, the British used military force to force open trade ports.

What significant rebellion occurred in China during the 19th century as described in the script?

The significant rebellion that occurred in China was the Taiping Rebellion, also known as the 'Tamping' or 'Great Peace' Rebellion, led by a man who proclaimed himself the 'Heavenly King of the Heavenly Kingdom of Great Peace'.

How did Japan's response to foreign influence differ from China's during the 19th century?

While China resisted and was eventually forced to open its ports to foreign trade, Japan underwent a successful rebellion that led to the Emperor, known as The Mikado, gaining real power. He then decided to adopt European inventions and knowledge to protect the country against foreign influence.

What major event in American history is discussed in the script?

The major event discussed is the American Civil War, which was fought over the issue of slavery and resulted in the northern states, led by President Abraham Lincoln, defeating the southern Confederate states.

What was the economic basis of the southern states in America during the 19th century?

The economic basis of the southern states was largely dependent on large plantations that cultivated cotton or sugar cane, with the labor being provided by African slaves.

How did the script describe the outcome of the American Civil War?

The script describes the northerners' bravery and tenacity prevailing in the war, leading to the reunification of the United States as a free nation, which later became the richest and most powerful country in the world.