The document summarizes the decline of Imperial China under the Qing dynasty in the 19th century. The Qing faced numerous problems including population pressures, natural disasters, an outdated political system, and social/economic crises. Western imperialism exacerbated China's weaknesses through unequal treaties following the Opium Wars. Attempts at self-strengthening and reform failed to prevent the rise of foreign spheres of influence and defeat in the Sino-Japanese War, leading to nationalist revolts and the end of the Qing dynasty in 1911.

1. Imperial China in Crisis The Decline of the Qing in the 19 th Century

2. Imperial China in Crisis The Qing (Manchu) dynasty plagued by numerous problems… Population pressures Natural disasters (droughts and disease epidemics)

8. The Western Challenge and Imperialism

23. Spheres of Influence