This is a question which I have answered dimensions of in the past, with relevant write-ups including:

• European interference in China has often been cited to explain not only why the Taiping Rebellion took place, but also why it was so protracted. But how far back ought we to trace this history? Is it sufficient to consider the impact of the Opium Wars, or must we go back further than the 1840s?

• How great of an effect did the first Opium War have on the Taiping Rebellion?

• China went from the most powerful empire on earth to being colonized over the course of a few decades. Was this "traumatic" for the Chinese psyche? How did it affect policy and international relations?

• How and why did the 'century of humiliation' narrative become dominant?

If you have any followups do feel free to ask and I'll be happy to answer.