China was both helped and harmed by imperialism in the long run. At the time, it seemed as though China was only being harmed by the rule of other countries, however, some of China's successes today can be linked to imperialism. These include:
-Opening many new trade ports: During the British rule, China was forced into signing many unfair treaties. One of the things included in these treaties that was that China should open five foreign trade ports. The effect of this can be seen today as recently, China passed the United States as the largest economy. Without these treaties, China may not be as successful of a trading country and as successful an economy as today.
-Industrialization: When the western countries and Japan came to control China, China began to improve technologically. They began to manufacture their own goods as well as advance as a whole. This can be seen today as many of the things used in daily life have "Made in China" on them. China produces a large sum of the world's goods and this may have not happened had China not met the industrial age when it did
-Communism: After one of China's many rebellions, China became a communist nation which was greatly beneficial to China's government. This can be seen today as China is still essentially a communist nation.
-Capitalism: Currently, China does possess capitalist elements. Its privately owned businesses are growing increasingly prosperous. The Chinese population's craving for capitalism is likely due to foreign influence. This would be foreign influence stemming from the period of imperialism.
-English: Due to British influence in China during the age of Imperialism, the English language has widespread there. Instruction in English is required as a part of public education. Additionally, the island of Hong Kong, a city Britain formerly owned, has English as an official language.
Negative effects include:
-Pollution, overpopulation, and abuse of workers: China began to industrialize when Britain gained control. Because of all the machinery used in this time period, the air in China became polluted and still is today. Now, in many places in the country, the air is so polluted that people are forced to wear masks over their mouths and noses. In the picture above, smog can be seen hovering over a Chinese city. Additionally, workers in factory are nearly treated as slaves. During the industrialization of China, many workers were needed to work in factories. Conditions were harsh and have not changed much to this day. Lastly, the industrial era in China brought new medical advancements which led to an increase in life-span. While this seems positive, it was one of many contributors to the current overpopulation of China.
