British Imperialism in China

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was one of China's main goals during the Opium Wars?

To expand its imperial interests in Britain

To ban opium and end the opium trade (correct)

To establish a monopoly on the opium trade

To limit its trade with European nations

What was a key aspect of the Treaty of Nanjing?

China gained control of Hong Kong

Britain's opium trade was banned

China's import taxes on British goods increased

Great Britain gained control of the Chinese island of Hong Kong (correct)

What was a primary motivation for the British during the Opium Wars?

To limit British trade with China

To promote free trade and economic interests (correct)

To protect Chinese sovereignty

To end the opium trade

What did the Treaty of Nanjing force China to do?

Pay a large indemnity to Britain Signup and view all the answers

What did the British use as a pretext to expand their imperial interests in China?

China's lack of free trade practices Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the consequences of the Treaty of Nanjing for British citizens?

They gained freedom to trade in several Chinese cities Signup and view all the answers

What was the main motivation behind the spread of Christianity during the age of exploration?

To spread their own religion and beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the Gold motivation during the age of exploration?

To gain necessary resources and labor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a slave?

Being owned by another person and having no freedom Signup and view all the answers

What was the Atlantic Slave trade?

A trade route between Europe, Africa, and the Americas Signup and view all the answers

What was a major factor that contributed to the existence of the slave trade?

Beliefs and economic factors Signup and view all the answers

What were the three main motivations behind the age of exploration?

God, Gold, and Glory Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason behind the British frustration with the Chinese trade system?

The trade was restricted to only one point in Canton Signup and view all the answers

What was the turning point that led to the initiation of trade between the British and the Chinese?

The British discovered that the Chinese wanted opium Signup and view all the answers

What was the Chinese perception of their place in the world?

They were the center of the world, with all other nations being barbarians Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the British efforts to negotiate with the Chinese Emperor?

The Chinese Emperor declined all British proposals due to confusion Signup and view all the answers

What was the driving force behind the British efforts to trade with China?

A desire to gain access to new markets and resources Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of internal and external troubles on China's perception of itself by 1900?

China's perception of itself as the 'Middle Kingdom' was weakened Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

British Reactions and the Opium War

The British viewed China as being out of touch with "civilized" nations that practiced free trade.

British Interests and Demands

The British wanted to continue the opium trade and protect free trade.
Their ultimate goal was to force China to open its doors to more foreign trade.

Chinese Interests and Demands

China wanted to ban opium and end the opium trade.
China wanted to protect its sovereignty and have the British respect Chinese laws on Chinese land.
The ultimate goal was to remove the British from China.

Treaty of Nanjing (August 9, 1842)

Article IIe: British citizens gained the freedom to trade in Canton, Amoy, Fuchow, Ningpo, and Shanghai.
Article III: Great Britain gained ownership of the Chinese island of Hong Kong.
Article VII: China's government had to pay Great Britain's government twenty-one million silver dollars.
Article IX: China could not punish anyone for trading with British citizens.
Article X: British goods could not have a high import tax (tariff) on them.

The Three G's: God, Gold, and Glory

God: Spread Christianity and bring "civilization" to the rest of the world through missionaries and humanitarian work.
Gold: Attain necessary resources, labor, land, and luxury goods, and open new trade routes and markets through gunboat diplomacy.
Glory: Bring national pride, spread "superior" culture, and attain power and military might.

History of the Slave Trade

A slave is owned by another person, classified as property, and works for nothing, with no freedom, money, or choice.
The slave trade was driven by beliefs, economic gain, and religion.
The Atlantic Slave Trade (1400-1800) occurred between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Background to the Opium War

European countries initially traded with China with some restrictions, but as time passed, the rules increased and tightened.
By the 18th century, all trading was centered in Canton, which frustrated the Europeans.
The British sent a representative to China with three goals, but the Emperor declined due to confusion, and Britain failed in its negotiations.
The British banks were low, and they had to find something the Chinese wanted to initiate trade, which led to the introduction of opium.