Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
The making of modern China, 1860–1997 - 2 Defeat and humiliation,…
Full specification wording
Paper 3, Option 38.2: The making of modern China, 1860–1997 - 2 Defeat and humiliation, 1894–1901: The impact of the Triple Intervention and concessions to France, Russia and Germany. The role of Britain and the granting of new concessions: Weihaiwei and Hong Kong's New Territories.
After the Treaty of Shimonoseki, the Triple Intervention by Russia, France, and Germany forced Japan to return the Liaodong Peninsula to China.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
After the Treaty of Shimonoseki, the Triple Intervention by Russia, France, and Germany forced Japan to return the Liaodong Peninsula to China. This intervention exposed China's weakness and led to a scramble for concessions. Russia obtained Port Arthur and Dalian, France leased Guangzhouwan, and Germany acquired Jiaozhou Bay. Britain, seeking to maintain its interests, secured Weihaiwei and the New Territories of Hong Kong. These concessions intensified foreign control and sparked Chinese nationalism. The topic requires analysis of the impact of the Triple Intervention and the specific concessions granted to each power, including Britain's role.
What earns the marks
- Explain the Triple Intervention: Russia, France, and Germany compelled Japan to return Liaodong, highlighting great power rivalry.
- Describe the concessions to France, Russia, and Germany: locations, terms, and strategic significance.
- Analyse Britain's role: its concerns about Russian expansion and its acquisition of Weihaiwei and the New Territories.
- Assess the impact of these concessions on China: loss of sovereignty, economic exploitation, and rise of anti-foreign sentiment.
- Evaluate the significance of the New Territories for Hong Kong's development.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing the Triple Intervention with the earlier Triple Alliance.
Put it right: The Triple Intervention was a diplomatic action by Russia, France, and Germany in 1895, while the Triple Alliance was a defensive pact formed in 1882 involving Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
Stating that Britain acquired Hong Kong Island in 1898.
Put it right: Britain acquired the New Territories in 1898, while Hong Kong Island was ceded in 1842.
Assuming Weihaiwei was a colony.
Put it right: Weihaiwei was a leased territory, not a colony.
Exam tips
- Use maps to identify the locations of concessions and their strategic importance.
- Link the concessions to the broader theme of imperialism in China.
- Compare the approaches of different powers to highlight Britain's role.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 3, Option 38.2: The making of modern China, 1860–1997 - 2 Defeat and humiliation, 1894–1901: The impact of the Triple Intervention and concessions to France, Russia and Germany. The role of Britain and the granting of new concessions: Weihaiwei and Hong Kong's New Territories. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which three powers carried out the Triple Intervention of 1895 against Japan?
Listen
After the Treaty of Shimonoseki, the Triple Intervention by Russia, France, and Germany forced Japan to return the Liaodong Peninsula to China. This intervention exposed China's weakness and led to a scramble for concessions. Russia obtained Port Arthur and Dalian, France leased Guangzhouwan, and Germany acquired Jiaozhou Bay. Britain, seeking to maintain its interests, secured Weihaiwei and the New Territories of Hong Kong. These concessions intensified foreign control and sparked Chinese nationalism. The topic requires analysis of the impact of the Triple Intervention and the specific concessions granted to each power, including Britain's role. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explain the Triple Intervention: Russia, France, and Germany compelled Japan to return Liaodong, highlighting great power rivalry. Describe the concessions to France, Russia, and Germany: locations, terms, and strategic significance. Analyse Britain's role: its concerns about Russian expansion and its acquisition of Weihaiwei and the New Territories. Assess the impact of these concessions on China: loss of sovereignty, economic exploitation, and rise of anti-foreign sentiment. A common slip: Confusing the Triple Intervention with the earlier Triple Alliance. Instead, the Triple Intervention was a diplomatic action by Russia, France, and Germany in 1895, while the Triple Alliance was a defensive pact formed in 1882 involving Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. Exam tip: Use maps to identify the locations of concessions and their strategic importance.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Triple Intervention
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scramble for concessions
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Weihaiwei
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New Territories
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See every definition
- Triple Intervention
- Russia, France and Germany compelled Japan to return the Liaodong Peninsula to China, highlighting great power rivalry.
- scramble for concessions
- The rush that followed the Triple Intervention, in which powers obtained concessions such as Port Arthur and Dalian, Guangzhouwan and Jiaozhou Bay.
- Weihaiwei
- A leased territory, not a colony, secured by Britain as it sought to maintain its interests.
- New Territories
- Acquired by Britain in 1898 as part of Hong Kong, significant for Hong Kong's development.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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