The making of modern China, 1860–1997

This topic explores China's turbulent transformation from a declining imperial dynasty to a global superpower, covering key events such as the Opium Wars, the fall of the Qing dynasty, the rise of the Communist Party under Mao Zedong, and the economic reforms of Deng Xiaoping. Students will examine how foreign imperialism, internal rebellion, and ideological struggle shaped modern China, culminating in its emergence as a major world power by 1997. Understanding this period is crucial for grasping contemporary China's political system, economic model, and international relations.

The narrative begins with the weakening of the Qing dynasty after the Opium Wars (1839–1842, 1856–1860), which exposed China's military and technological backwardness. The Taiping Rebellion (1850–1864) and the Boxer Uprising (1899–1901) further destabilised the empire, leading to its collapse in 1911. The subsequent Republic of China era was marked by warlordism, the Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), and the civil war between the Nationalists (Kuomintang) and Communists. Mao's victory in 1949 established the People's Republic of China, which underwent radical socialist transformation, including the Great Leap Forward (1958–1962) and the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976). After Mao's death, Deng Xiaoping's reforms from 1978 onwards opened China to the world, leading to rapid economic growth and the handover of Hong Kong in 1997.

This topic is part of the Edexcel A-Level History specification, often studied alongside themes of ideology, state-building, and international relations. It requires students to analyse continuity and change, evaluate historical interpretations, and use primary sources critically. Mastery of this period provides a foundation for understanding modern China's role in global affairs, including its economic rise, political authoritarianism, and territorial disputes.