Reflections on October 4, 2011 Class

As I reviewed my notes from the October 4, 2011 class, one topic stood out in my mind. On October 18-19, 1860, during the Second Opium War, French and British troops destroyed a large Chinese complex, Yuanmingyuan, also known as The Old Summer Palace. I did a little research and found that Yuanmingyuan was built during the 18th and early 19th century, at the behest of Emperor Kangxi in 1707. It was originally called the Gardens of Perfect Brightness and was the epitome of an Imperial Garden. This palace of gardens was expanded over the years to include lakes, streams, ponds, and approximately 50 scenic spots which were imitations of famous parks, lakes and mountains in China and around the world. The garden was also populated with exotic flowers and trees from around the globe. Additionally, a collection of treasures, including gold and silver wares, calligraphy, rare books and scriptures, paintings, jewelry, and vases was amassed, transforming the Imperial Gardens into no less than a monumental museum. It seems almost certain that had it survived until today, it would be counted among the seven wonders of the world. But it did not survive. It seems that French troops breached the palace walls on October 6, 1860. Although they did not inflict structural damage, much looting did occur. However, on October 18, 1860, British troops, led by Lord Elgin, were ordered to destroy the entire palace. This was in retaliation for the deaths and mistreatment of some British soldiers who had been captured. The palace was burned to the ground, but not before extensive looting took place. Earlier that same year, the Japanese had embarked upon their mission to the United States. So on the one hand, the Japanese were treated like rock stars and on the other the Chinese, both in America and in China, were treated like second-class citizens by Western nations. Perhaps Japan was more willing to give in to Western demands, or maybe it simply realized it was not developed enough militarily to contend with Western military power. I asked my students if France committed atrocities of war against US soldiers and we invaded France, should we destroy the Eiffel Tower? Surprisingly, nine out of ten students said no. In their minds, the significance of the Eiffel Tower is larger than the acts of a few misguided French soldiers. On the other hand, some students said all is fair in love and war and looting and destruction are part of the spoils of victory. I asked my students if it is fair that none of us would ever get to enjoy the splendor of Yuanmingyuan? They pondered this question for what seemed a long time and then the bell rang.
edited by straylor on 1/2/2012