The modern revolution in China

In the early 1900s, many societies across the world were rapidly adapting European influence and on their way towards a modernity defined and shaped by Western ideas and culture.

China, though one of the largest global powers today, was not spared the cultural confusion when European powers landed on its shores.

Many Chinese historians talk about this period as the decline of the Chinese Empire. With growing trade and global influences, the Manchu dynasty was unable to cope with the changes that were happening to its society and people.

Discontent was high among the Chinese as they blamed the Manchus for allowing foreign powers to intervene in the running of the nation.

This sparked numerous rebellions and violent protests, and also promoted the nationalistic communist cause among people. As a result, European influence and modernity directly shaped the way China, Taiwan and Hong Kong developed politically and culturally in the years following the war.

The cultural confusion and unstable period can be seen through these rare photographs, mostly captured by Europeans living in China at the time.

Get a glimpse of the unrest and uncertainty of the Chinese people in the days they felt themselves most threatened by outside influences in the gallery below.

Credit: Visualising China

Click on thumbnail to view (Photos: Internet)