Discuss the most significant native rebellions against European imperialism.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary. The Russo-Japanese War was the largest and most successful demonstration against the European presence in Asia. Through the assimilation of Western technology, the Japanese Meiji Restoration was able to defeat the Russian forces and destroy their navy at Port Arthur, removing the Russian presence from the Korean Peninsula. The Russians had attempted to impinge on Japanese ambitions in China, specifically in Manchuria, where the Trans-Siberian Railroad terminated, and the Russians had negotiated a treaty with China that was not favorable to Japanese interests. The Russian presence in Korea was a blatant threat to Japan, and the war was started in 1904. Europe was surprised and horrified when Japan won. There were other rebellions, such as the Sepoy Rebellion in India against the British, in which members of the Sepoy regiment were greatly offended that their guns were lubricated with pig and cow fat, both in violation of the religions of Islam and Hinduism, respectively. The Boxer Rebellion in China saw an uprising of young Chinese men protesting against Western influences. The Battle of Omdurman also stood as an example of African resistance. However, the Russo-Japanese War serves as an example of the biggest and most successful defeat of European imperialism.