What China looked like in the 1870s through These Spectacular Historic Photos

The 1870s were a tumultuous period for China, marked by internal strife, foreign incursions, and significant socio-political challenges. This decade followed the devastating Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864) and occurred during the late Qing Dynasty, a time when China was grappling with internal decay and external pressures.

During the 1870s, the Qing Dynasty, which had ruled China since 1644, was in decline. The central government’s authority was weakening, partly due to the aftereffects of the Taiping Rebellion. This rebellion had severely weakened the dynasty’s military and financial strength, leading to increased local autonomy and the rise of regional warlords.

Foreign Influence and Unequal Treaties

The 1870s also saw continued foreign influence in China. The Opium Wars (1839-1842 and 1856-1860) had forced China into signing several unequal treaties with Western powers. These treaties gave foreigners significant control over trade and legal privileges within China, contributing to a growing anti-foreign sentiment among the Chinese populace.

The Nian Rebellion and Internal Conflicts

China faced significant internal conflicts during this period. The Nian Rebellion (1853-1868), though mostly quelled by the early 1870s, had caused instability in northern China. This rebellion, along with other uprisings, exposed the Qing government’s inability to maintain order and control over its vast territory.

Economic Difficulties and Natural Disasters

The country also experienced economic difficulties and natural disasters in the 1870s. There were severe famines, most notably the Northern Chinese Famine of 1876-1879, which led to the death of millions. These famines were exacerbated by ineffective government response, corruption, and the breakdown of traditional relief systems.

Despite these challenges, the 1870s were also a period of cultural and social changes in China. The Self-Strengthening Movement (1861-1895), aimed at modernizing China’s military and industry by adopting Western methods, gained momentum. Intellectuals and reformers began advocating for modernization to strengthen China and resist foreign domination.

#1 Family Group Portrait, China, 1870s

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#2 Public Gardens, Shanghai, 1870

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#3 Fishing With Cormorants, 1871

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#4 Slum Housing in China, 1870s

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#5 Street Surgery in Pekin, 1870s

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#6 Street Life, Beggars, 1874

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#7 Siamese Temple, China, 1870s

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#8 Pagoda in China, 1870

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#9 Chinese Women, 1870

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#10 Boats Along Riverbank, 1870s

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#11 Everyday Life in China, 1870s

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#12 Everyday Life in China, 1870s

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#13 Everyday Life in China, 1870s

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#14 Everyday Life in China, 1870s

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#15 Everyday Life in China, 1870s

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#16 Everyday Life in China, 1870s

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#17 Native Street, Canton, 1870s

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#18 The Club, Shanghai, China, Tung-Hing, 1870

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#19 Five-Story Ming Watchtower, North End of Canton City Wall, 1870

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#20 Alley Bordered by Brick Buildings, China, ca. 1870

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#21 The Cathedral, Shanghai, 1870

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#22 Creek of Chinese City, Shanghai, 1870

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#23 General View of Bund, Shanghai, 1870

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#24 Bridge in Shanghai, Opposite Astor House, 1870

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#25 A Rapid Boat by John Thomson, 1871

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#26 Part of Lower Bridge, John Thomson, 1871

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#27 The Island Pagoda, China, John Thomson, 1871

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#28 A Rapid Boat, 1871

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#29 A Pine Raft, 1871

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#30 Manchu Women in Traditional Dress, 1871

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#31 Village in Kowloon, Opposite Hong Kong, 1872

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#32 Gardens in Canton, 1872

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#33 Scribe, Barber, and Tradesmen with Customers, China, 1872

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#34 Tsing Tiu Rapid, Upper Yangtsze, 1872

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#35 Chinese Peasants, Women in Field Work, Foochow, 1874

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#36 Pekin Peek In, Street Amusement, 1874

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#37 Hong Kong Clock Tower, 1874

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#38 Ploughing in China, 1870s

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#39 Chinese Nurse Attending Patient, 1874

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#40 Two Manchu Ladies in a Rock Garden, China, 1870s

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#41 Group of Chinese Beggars, 1874

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#42 Clock Tower, Hong Kong, 1874

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#43 Exterior of a Chinese House

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#44 Peep Show in Peking Street, 1870s

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#45 Women Farm Workers, China, 1870s

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#46 The Drum Tower, Peking, China, 1870s

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#47 Children on Upper Balcony of a House in Peking

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#48 A Typical Chinese House in Peking, 1874

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#49 Pedestrians on Physic Street, Canton, China, 1875

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#50 Oriental Bank and Central Hotel, Bund, Shanghai, 1876

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#51 Têng-Yi Tëen, Basket Chair and Matting Shop, Shanghai, 1876

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#52 River Front, Shanghai, 1876

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#53 Amoy, China, 1877

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#54 Chinese Sampans, Canton, 1877

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#55 An Execution, Canton, 1870s

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#56 Eunuch of the Palace, Peking, Liang Shitai, 1870s

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#57 Coolies, Canton, China, 1870s

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#58 Garden with Umbrella Fountain, China, 1870s

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#59 Flowery Pagoda, Canton, China, 1870s

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#60 Malay Peninsula, 1870s

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#61 Malay, Malaysia, 1870s

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#62 Flowery Forest Temple, 500 Genii, Canton, 1870s

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#63 Canton, China, 1870s

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#64 Campong Buggis, Singapore, 1870s

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#65 Singapore, 1870s

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#66 Shanghai Omnibus, 1870

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#67 Queen’s Road looking west, Hong Kong, 1870

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#68 Astor House & Oriental Bank, Shanghai, 1870

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#69 Facing the Bund, Shanghai, 1870

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#70 Tea packed for shipping, Hankou, China, 1875

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#71 Carrying Half-Chests of Tea, Hankou, China, 1875

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#72 Loading Tea at Hankou for Shipment, Yangtze River, 1875

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#73 Macao, Attributed to John Thomson, 1870s

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#74 Ruins of the Old Cathedral, Macao, 1870s

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#75 Public Gardens, Shanghai, 1870s

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#76 Wheelbarrow Driver and Passenger, Beijing, China, 1870s

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#77 Llandudno, Great Orme and Happy Valley, Wales, 1870s

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