Colonial Hong Kong and Social Dynamics Quiz

Hong Kong Story - Lecture 2

• Hong Kong was a significant part of the British Empire.
• The lecture outlines early colonial history, including images and questions for discussion.
• Colonial history of Hong Kong in standard definition; the factors that contributed to Hong Kong's success as a colony (e.g., geography, governance, local people).
• The success of Hong Kong during British rule can be attributed to the hard work and skill of its people, the established systems of law and governance, and the opportunities provided by the colonial economic, social and legal environments.
• The British role in the development of Hong Kong's infrastructure supported the city's growth.
• The initial British takeover was connected with the Opium Wars. That event is not seen as a defensible action.
• Local perspectives and possible conflicts resulting from British colonization are also factors to consider.

Early Colonial History

• Images and discussions related to Britain wanting Hong Kong; the early East meets West interactions and possible conflicts that resulted.
• Images and discussions concerning the policy of benevolent rule, colonial state and society relations in early Hong Kong, and social classes in Hong Kong during this period.

Colonial History of HK in Standard Definition

• Hong Kong's success was influenced by geographic advantages: natural harbour and fish villages.
• Economic development was overseen by the government and its policies as well as stewardship.
• Generations of hardworking people contributed to the Hong Kong success.
• A standard definition image would illustrate the key elements of this definition.

Hong Kong's Success Story

• Hong Kong's success is linked to hard work and skills of the people.
• Britain also had a role as the steward of the territory for a century and a half.
• British rule, according to Chris Patten, established a framework of economic and social values creating opportunities for all its residents.
• Policies focused on law, meritocratic and political neutrality were important features of Hong Kong's success.

Birth of the Former Colony

• Clashes between China and the British led to war and the signing of unequal treaties and conventions (like the Treaty of Nanking).
• The Treaty of Nanking ended the First Opium War, and ceded Hong Kong Island to Britain.
• The Convention of Peking furthered British control, giving them additional areas of Hong Kong.

Selected Events in Britain

• Key historical events in Britain during this time are related to industrialization and developments in the British Empire impacting Hong Kong.

Treaty of Nanking 1842

• The Treaty of Nanking ended the First Opium War (1839-1842).
• This treaty abolished the Canton System.
• Hong Kong Island become a Crown land in 1843.
• Five treaty ports were established.

Was it Hong Kong that the British wanted - a barren rock?

• Sir Charles Elliot, Chief Superintendent of British Trade, negotiated Hong Kong's cession in 1841.
• Initial British reports described Hong Kong as a barren rock with limited potential for trade. The area wasn't initially considered an ideal location for trade or settlement, and was not the primary goal.
• Initial reports expressed opposition, and disagreement about whether Hong Kong was the key goal for British interests.

A Barren Rock: Hong Kong as a Place of Irritation

• British portrayal of Hong Kong as an unattractive location for settlement and trade was documented during that time.
• Various comments expressed by Lord Palmerston describe the British perspective of Hong Kong as "a barren rock."

But First, Did British Want Hong Kong?

• British interests were initially in Zhoushan, not Hong Kong. However, Hong Kong was a potential alternative after initial resistance.
• Hong Kong's strategic position, proximity to trade routes, and later, the need for a trade port, were essential for British interests.
• The British wanted more "open ports" along with favorable trade rights, not necessarily the occupation of territory.

Who Wanted Hong Kong?

• Charles Elliot realized a military port was essential for strategical advantages.
• Locals strongly resisted British control.

1860 Map of Hong Kong

• A map of Hong Kong in 1860 shows the territory after the First Convention of Peking.

Convention of Peking (Beijing) 1860

• The Convention included unequal treaties with other European powers.
• Additional ports were opened up, and Hong Kong gained more land (Southern Kowloon and Stonecutters Island).
• Hong Kong's role as a strategic military and trading outpost was further enhanced.
• Further expanding control of Hong Kong's harbour, trade, and the territory overall.

A Harmonious East Meets West?

• The lecture addresses the peaceful interactions between Eastern and Western Cultures in early Hong Kong.
• The topic explores any potential conflicts during this time.
• A history lesson on whether there were conflicts arising between Eastern and Western values and practices.

Global - Harmonious East Meets West?

• The Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory was signed in 1898.
• The Treaty granted Britain even more land and islands.
• This action affected the region’s geopolitical landscape.

Ceremony at Taipo of the New Territory

• A ceremony marking the handover of Taipo area (New Territories) to Britain in April 1899

Resistance in the New Territories (The Six-Day War of 1899)

• Local resistance to the expansion of British control in Hong Kong occurred.

Acquisition of Hong Kong

• The major events in the acquisition of Hong Kong land and territory.
• The significant events of the Treaty of Nanjing, The Convention of Peking, and The Convention of the Extension of Hong Kong (for land).
• Estimated number of villagers and mercenaries who died as a result of various clashes.

Why SD Image? Playing down the Event

• There were local resistance issues and opposition from certain parts of the community.
• The administration of the New Territories was separate from the urban area.

Global - Harmonious East Meets West?

• The Ping Shan police station was located at the top of the local "fengshui" hill.

Colonial Ruling Strategy: (Exploiting Local Cleavages)

• Colonial rulers were able to establish control by playing off different local groups against each other for their own purposes.
• The "Great Five Clans" are discussed as well as the Great Clearance and arrival of the Hakkas.

Colonial Ruling Strategy: Exploiting Local Cleavages

• By using a divide-and-conquer strategy, the colonial government assigned land and resources to local cultivators.

A Summary : back to the 'linear history' argument, and the imposition of the following in regards to a break from the linear development.

• Some of the factors that interrupted the perceived linear history of development of Hong Kong as a territory include the contest amongst European powers, differences between types of land, different policing systems, and the establishment of global systems which impacted the city.

Formation of the Early Social Class

• Formation of British, European, and Chinese social classes.
• Life of the working class was not well documented in archives, with limited information.

The British Class - Actually Scottish: Jardine Matheson Group

• The significant role of the Jardine Matheson Group, who were important members of the British-Scottish community.

The Story of Jardine Matheson Group

• The Jardine Matheson Group was founded in 1832
• Their expansion made them important players in Trade
• The Chinese language word "Ewo" or " 和" was adopted in 1840s which means happy harmony

Some of the 1st for JM & Co

• Historical achievements of the group as some of the first entities of particular kinds or firsts in Hong Kong
• Landmark events regarding trade, communication, and factories.

The British Class - JM & Co as Core of the Network

• The significant business enterprises and their connections in Hong Kong (i.e., the British class).
• The Jardine Matheson Group was important within the Hong Kong network.

The British Class- The Ruling Elite Network

• Membership in the Hong Kong Club was exclusive to British elite merchants, civil servants, and governors.

An Obsession with 'Social Class': Zoning Legislations

• The Peak District ordinance and European District Reservation Ordinance demonstrated the British-European obsession with strict zoning and segregation.

Peak 1,811 ft. vs. 788 ft.

• The 788-foot elevation limit imposed by the British for residences in Hong Kong showcased class segregation.

The British Class - Royal HK Jockey Club 1884- intertwining network and power

• The Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club was powerful interconnected with the elite British network.

The British / European / Eurasian Class and the Working Class

• Different social classes in the territory are detailed, such as workers, soldiers, police, sailors, smugglers, sex workers.
• Eurasians (like Ho Tung's family) acted as intermediaries and were significant parts of the business community.

The Chinese Working Class - Migrant Labor and Segregation

• Coolie trade was a significant form of labor between China and India. It was a way of getting labor to areas affected by the migration patterns.

Not Much About Them Were Told in Archive

• Tung Wah maintained Chinese root and traditional culture

The Chinese Working Class - Case of Mui Tsai

• Important legislative ordinances regarding laborers and Chinese workers in Mui Tsai and Hong Kong.

HD: Early Colonial Rule in Urban Area

• Indirect rule through Chinese elites and the Man Mo Temple - an example given for this practice.

Indirect-Rule by the Chinese Elites?

• The Chinese Merchants' and the Man Mo Temple's role in the arbitration system of laws
• The role of local Chinese society.

Management Scandal of The Kwong Fook I-tsz (1851-)

Indirect-Rule by the Chinese Elites?

• The Tung Wah Group of Hospitals was established because some Chinese did not trust Western medicine.

Marginalization and Incorporation

• Most successful merchants in Tung Wah Group took over control to oversee Chinese affairs in Hong Kong. They sought support from the Qing government. Establishment of committees and boards to intervene in local Chinese affairs.
• Sanitary Board was first established in 1883. Sir Kai Ho was the first Chinese member.

Marginalization and Incorporation – Administrative Absorption

• The Eurasian elites – Ho Tung – established the Chinese Club - 1899.
• The District Watch Force became the highest council to advise the colonial regime.

Marginalization and Incorporation – The Plague

• A history about the plague that happened in 1894.
• The Tung Wah Group was affected by the plague rumours, but eventually focus on social services.

In Short, Colonial Rule

• Colonial rule utilized a myriad of strategy in its governance.
• Colonial rule in Hong Kong was largely built on the system of divide and rule, and incorporation, and control of those under it.
• The use of bio-power, support and conflict with the local governments, and an understanding of marginalization are all important.

References

• A bibliography of the sources used for this lecture.

This quiz explores the effects of colonial rule in Hong Kong during the 1894 plague and the marginalization of the Tung Wah Group. It highlights social dynamics among ethnicities and the strategies employed by the colonial government to maintain power.