16.4.5

The Story of Chinese Labourers 1

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The Story of Chinese Labourers

Chinese labourers also contributed to the French and British war effort through skilled and unskilled labour. However, they were widely discriminated against.

Establishment of the Republic of China

Establishment of the Republic of China

  • In 1911 AD, the Republic of China was established following the overthrow of the Chinese royal family.
  • The Chinese offered troops to fight for the allies at the start of the war
    • They hoped to be recognised as a strong country and build up trade links.
    • However, Britain and France rejected the offer of soldiers.
France accepts the Chinese offer

France accepts the Chinese offer

  • In 1915 AD, the Chinese once more offered manpower, however this time it was for labourers and not soldiers.
  • France accepted this offer but the British still refused.
The British change their minds

The British change their minds

  • The heavy losses in 1916 AD changed the minds of the British.
    • 20,000 troops were killed on the first day of fighting at the Battle of the Somme in 1916 AD and both sides continued to have heavy losses.
  • The British recruited Chinese labourers as additional manpower.
Chinese recruitment

Chinese recruitment

  • From 1917 AD onwards, Britain recruited 94,146 Chinese labourers from the provinces of northern China.
    • However, this figure doesn't include the additional 40,000 men recruited by France or the men employed in other regions like Mesopotamia (Iraq).
Medical examinations

Medical examinations

  • Once the Chinese had arrived in Britain they were medically examined for 21 different conditions, such as tuberculosis, trachoma (eye disease) and dental disorders.
  • If they passed the medical inspections they were disinfected and also had their head shaved.
Jump to other topics
1

Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1

The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2

The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3

The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4

The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5

Medieval Religion

1.6

The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7

How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8

Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9

Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10

Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11

Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12

European Renaissance

1.13

Norman Conquest & Control

1.14

Historical Skills

2

The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1

Anglo-Saxon England

2.2

The Contest for the English Throne

2.3

Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4

King John

2.5

The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6

The Black Death

3

Worldviews

4

The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5

The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6

The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7

The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8

Religion in the Middle Ages

9

Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10

The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11

The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12

US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13

The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14

The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15

Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16

World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17

The Russian Revolution: 1917 AD

18

The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

19

World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

20

The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

21

Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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