16.4.5

The Story of Chinese Labourers 1

Test yourself

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.

Illustrative background for Establishment of the Republic of ChinaIllustrative background for Establishment of the Republic of China ?? "content

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.
Illustrative background for France accepts the Chinese offerIllustrative background for France accepts the Chinese offer ?? "content

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.
Illustrative background for The British change their mindsIllustrative background for The British change their minds ?? "content

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.
Illustrative background for Chinese recruitmentIllustrative background for Chinese recruitment ?? "content

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).
Illustrative background for Medical examinationsIllustrative background for Medical examinations ?? "content

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

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium