GCE History A Y317/01: China and its rulers 1839-1989 Advanced GCE Mark Scheme for Autumn 2021. Graded A+

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Question Answer Mark Guidance 1 Evaluate the interpretations in both of the two passages and explain which you think is more convincing as an explanation of the consequences of the First Opium War... for China. In locating the Interpretations within the wider historical debate, answers might argue that Interpretation A sees the First Opium War as the initiation of a long period of humiliation of China by foreign powers, and the root cause of all its subsequent problems and crises. • In evaluating Interpretation A, answers might argue it is valid because the Unequal Treaties were a turning point in how China dealt with the outside world. This allowed foreign powers to exert economic and, ultimately, political influence over China against its will. • Answers might argue that Interpretation A is valid because China suffered humiliating military defeats at the hands of the West, such as Pottinger’s capture of Shanghai, which was unexpected to many within China. • Answers might argue that Interpretation A is valid because the consequences of the Opium War, particularly the unpopularity of the growing western influence in China – such as the official tolerance of Christian religion - destabilised the Qing dynasty. • Answers might argue that Interpretation A is invalid because it overemphasises the significance of the First Opium War compared to other factors 30 • No set answer is expected • At Level 5 and above answers will evaluate both interpretations, locating them within the wider historical debate about the issue and using their own knowledge, and reach a balanced judgement as to which they consider the most convincing about the issue in the question. • To be valid, judgements must be supported by relevant and accurate material. • Knowledge must not be credited in isolation, it should only be credited where it is used to analyse and evaluate the interpretations, in line with descriptions in the levels mark schemeY317/01 Mark Scheme October 2021 4 which destabilised China in this period such as the Taiping Rebellion. • Answers might argue that Interpretation A is invalid because the Qing dynasty was not left ‘helpless’ after the Unequal Treaties; despite challenges resisting foreign influence, Qing leaders like Cixi and members of her Court were able to exert agency and manage the influence of foreigners in China, such as resisting foreign influence in Guangzhou in 1849. • Answers might argue that Interpretation A is invalid because there were positive consequences of foreign influence in China, such as investment in infrastructure and government administration, which resulted from the Unequal Treaties. In locating the Interpretations within the wider historical debate, answers might argue that Interpretation B suggests that the influence of the First Opium War has been overplayed in explaining the problems China faced in the nineteenth century, and that it had some positive consequences. • In evaluating Interpretation B, answers might argue that it is valid because, as a consequence of the Unequal Treaties, foreign trade grew and foreigners invested in infrastructure in China such as railways and telegraphs. Shared administration with foreign powers benefitted China in terms of economic development. • Answers might argue that Interpretation B is valid because China did indeed have many internal problems that contributed to its difficulties in the nineteenth century in addition to the Opium Wars and their consequences. For example, population pressure and climatic/natural challenges in ruralY317/01 Mark Scheme October 2021 5 areas, rebellion and unrest and political difficulties and factionalism. • Answers might argue that B Interpretation is valid because it links negative interpretations of the consequences of the Opium Wars with the rise of Chinese nationalism. This can be seen as valid because many nineteenth century Chinese were in fact in favour of westernisation and foreign influence in China, and there was no wholesale rejection of the West at this time. • Answers might argue that the Interpretation is valid because China was technologically unequal to the West, as evidenced by the military [Show More]

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