The Industrial Revolution: Foot Binding In China

Words: 633
Pages: 3

The industrial revolution came to China during the 19th century when China was forced to open its doors through gun barrel diplomacy. The country had lived in a state of isolationism; there was only port that controlled to trade with other countries. Meanwhile, England had a booming economy through its use of industrialization and vast technological advancements. The more England industrialized, the more they needed resources to supply their machines. China provided England with both space and resources that they needed. They threatened to attack China if they didn’t open their borders. China could not refuse England’s request for because they had no weapons, military power, or money to fight them and keep them off. China had then realized that the only way for them to restore their power was to adopt western values and go through rapid industrialization. It challenged confucian philosophy, as nature was then being exploited for industrialization. China dealt with major protests and revolts against the Chinese government and foreign people. China was also faced with the decision to getting rid of one of their longest and most powerful tradition, footbinding.
The practice of foot binding is a painful one, both emotionally and
…show more content…
Every society in history has always been patriarchal. Men were stronger, better, faster,qualities that did not apply to women. Foot binding was a way to ensure that women didn’t get jobs and potentially do better than men because they physically couldn’t. Their feet were bound and it was incredibly hard to do any tasks. This restricted them to be under their husband’s power because they couldn’t leave their home or anywhere for that matter. Lastly, foot binding was to show one’s status. Poor women often had to go to work to support their families, work that required the use of their feet. Rich women could practice foot binding because they had someone that could do work for