A century of humiliation

Abstract

During the mid-nineteenth century, China’s historical course began to shift. In the ensuing period that came to be known as the Century of Humiliation, China ultimately was taken advantage of by foreign powers who, in effect, dominated the country for their own benefit. This period of time in China’s history was host to several wars with foreign nations and rebellions within the country’s borders. The weakening Qing Dynasty rulers, facing increasing internal and external pressures, often turned to foreign powers for assistance. Ultimately, the Qing were overthrown by revolutionaries looking to establish a republican government, thus bringing an end to China’s thousands of years of dynastic rule.