First Opium War: Britain vs. Qing Dynasty

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Questions and Answers

What was a primary factor contributing to the First Opium War?

British attempts to resolve a trade imbalance by trading opium with China. (correct)
The Qing Dynasty's enforcement of free trade policies, angering British merchants.
The Qing Dynasty's desire to expand its territory into British-controlled India.
The British military's need to secure Hong Kong as a naval base.

How did British control over opium production in India affect China?

It led to increased trade of tea, silk, and porcelain from the Qing Dynasty.
It encouraged the Qing Dynasty to modernize its military forces.
It strengthened the Qing Dynasty's control over its coastal territories.
It facilitated widespread opium addiction and declining public health in China. (correct)

What was the significance of the Treaty of Nanking in the context of the First Opium War?

It resulted in Britain paying reparations to the Qing Dynasty for opium-related damages.
It solidified the Qing Dynasty's control over opium trade within China.
It granted Britain territorial rights, including the cession of Hong Kong. (correct)
It established a military alliance between Britain and the Qing Dynasty.

Why was the Qing Dynasty pressured by foreign powers during the First Opium War?

Because of trade imbalances and British desire to trade opium. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What did Britain aim to achieve by initiating the First Opium War?

To force China to accept the continued trade of opium. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which commodity were the British NOT interested in obtaining from the Qing Dynasty?

Opium (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of widespread opium addiction in China?

It led to social and economic disruption. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Qing Dynasty attempt to address the opium crisis before the war?

By appointing officials to control the flow of opium. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the Qing Dynasty being defeated multiple times?

It led to concessions and loss of sovereignty to foreign powers. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'unequal treaties' in the context of the Opium Wars?

Agreements that favored foreign powers at the expense of Chinese sovereignty. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did the First Opium War affect China's relationship with other countries?

It opened China to greater foreign influence and trade. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was one direct consequence of the British victory in the First Opium War?

The British obtained several treaty ports, expanding their trade opportunities. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role did the seizure of opium chests in 1839 play in the lead-up to the First Opium War?

It aggravated tensions and provided a pretext for British military intervention. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why did England start trading opium with the Qing Dynasty?

To support the economy of British-controlled India. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did the First Opium War contribute to the decline of the Qing Dynasty?

By exposing its military weakness and vulnerability to foreign powers. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the central issue that led to conflict between Britain and the Qing Dynasty?

Trade imbalances and the opium trade. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the First Opium War represent a turning point in Chinese history?

It symbolized the start of China's decline and increased foreign influence. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the strategic importance of Hong Kong after it was ceded to Britain?

It served as a major trading port and naval base for Britain. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the First Opium War have on the Qing Dynasty’s perception of its own power and authority?

It undermined the Qing Dynasty’s legitimacy and revealed its vulnerability. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase "Brits get after termal rights" refer to?

British citizens gained extraterritorial legal privileges in China. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

First Opium War

Conflict between Britain and the Qing Dynasty, primarily over trade imbalances and opium trade.

Qing Dynasty Pressured

The Qing Dynasty faced pressure from foreign powers due to trade imbalances and internal issues.

Trade Imbalance

The trade imbalance between Britain and China arose because Britain wanted tea, silk, and porcelain, while China desired little from Britain.