Block+B+Boxer+1

= "Carving Up the Chinese Melon" =




 * Who** – European countries and China


 * What** – “Carving up the Chinese Melons.” Western countries decided to take part of Chinese land scramble to hold leases for all railway and commercial privileges in various regions of China and they called it "spheres of interest." Americans insisted on "open door", which means that commercial opportunities were equally available to all European powers. Political and territorial integrity of China remained untouched.


 * Where** – China


 * When –** 1885


 * Why –** Because European countries wanted to expand their land and property by having parts of China and sharing it among them selves. Because China was already too weak to defend due to the lost of Opium war, the properties were distributed. They were technically under control of other European nations.


 * How –** Even though China didn’t really make any agreements to share their property of land, Europeans used force to partition with the government of China. Because China was already weak, Europeans sought to exploit it and take control over China and it’s trading activities. The British got the New Territories around Hong kong, the Russians got Port Arthur, Germans achieved getting Shuantung, but the Americans gained nothing. Americans insisted on "open door", which means that commercial opportunities were equally available to all European powers. Political and territorial integrity of China remained untouched.