Hong Kong History - Lecture 2 Overview

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Questions and Answers

What was one consequence of the plague outbreak in 1894 regarding Tung Wah Groups?

They publicly endorsed the use of traditional medicine.

They gained political power and influence.

They withdrew from social services.

They focused solely on education and hospital services. (correct)

Which term describes the strategy used by colonial powers to maintain control over diverse social classes?

Bio power. (correct)

Cultural assimilation.

Political representation.

Community engagement.

How did colonial rule affect the social dynamics among different ethnicities in the early colony?

It abolished class distinctions.

It resulted in a largely segregated life for different ethnic groups. (correct)

It encouraged cultural exchange and integration.

It promoted equal opportunities for all communities.

What characterized the rules imposed by colonial powers during that period?

Conflict, suppression, and 'not so benevolent' policies. Signup and view all the answers

What was a requirement imposed on Tung Wah Groups by the colonial state?

To publicly clarify misleading rumors about Western medicine. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary motivations for Britain acquiring Hong Kong?

Access to a natural harbor for trade Signup and view all the answers

According to Chris Patten, what framework contributed to Hong Kong's success?

Rule of law and a meritocratic civil service Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is highlighted as a part of Hong Kong's success in local school textbooks?

Geographical advantages and hard work of its people Signup and view all the answers

How is the narrative of Hong Kong's history often depicted in terms of modernization?

Following a universal and linear model of modernization Signup and view all the answers

What type of rule was suggested at the beginning of British colonialism in Hong Kong?

Benevolent rule characterized by cooperation Signup and view all the answers

What role did social class play in early colonial Hong Kong?

It reinforced divisions between the British and local population Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the legacy of British stewardship in Hong Kong?

It laid the foundations for fair governance and social order Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did colonization bring to Hong Kong society?

Modernization based on Western models Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did the Treaty of Nanking bring to Hong Kong in 1842?

Ceded Hong Kong Island to Britain as a Crown Land Signup and view all the answers

Which event directly triggered the First Opium War between China and the United Kingdom?

Chinese official Lin Zexu's ban on opium trade Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Second Opium War initiated in 1856?

It resulted in the Convention of Peking, further increasing British control. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motivation for William Jardine and James Matheson to advocate for acquiring Hong Kong?

To expand their trade opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

What significant outcome resulted from the Second Opium War for Hong Kong's territory?

New Territories were leased for 99 years. Signup and view all the answers

Which infrastructure development started the railway boom in Britain?

London-Birmingham line opening Signup and view all the answers

What was the main function of the Poor Law enacted in 1834?

To provide workhouses for the poor Signup and view all the answers

What were the primary reasons for the British dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Nanking?

It did not address military concerns. Signup and view all the answers

What major global event occurred as a result of the Irish potato famine starting in 1845?

Caused significant social and economic unrest in Ireland Signup and view all the answers

Which city was primarily evacuated to establish a militarized zone during the colonial period?

Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) Signup and view all the answers

How did the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 impact international trade?

It linked the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, facilitating trade. Signup and view all the answers

Which treaty formalized the British control over Kowloon and marked the end of the Second Opium War?

Convention of Peking Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the Bengal army mutiny in 1857?

It marked the end of the East India Company's rule in India. Signup and view all the answers

What geographic feature provided a military buffer zone for the British in Hong Kong after leasing the New Territories?

The Shum Chun (Shenzhen) River Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a key political motivation behind the British acquisition of Hong Kong?

Countering French and Russian naval expansions. Signup and view all the answers

Which historical event led to the large settlements and villages in Hong Kong Island during the Song Dynasty?

The Yuan invasion. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the founders of JM & Co in Canton in 1832?

William Jardine and James Matheson Signup and view all the answers

What does the Chinese name 'Ewo' signify in relation to JM & Co?

Happy Harmony Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did JM & Co take in Hong Kong in 1841?

Purchased the first plots of land Signup and view all the answers

Which year marked the official declaration of Hong Kong as a colony?

1843 Signup and view all the answers

What was the objective of the 1904 Reservation Ordinance in the Peak District?

To prohibit residence of Chinese in certain areas Signup and view all the answers

Which organization was established in Hong Kong in May 1846, restricted to British elite members?

Hong Kong Club Signup and view all the answers

In what year did JM & Co establish the first inter-office telegraph in Hong Kong?

1869 Signup and view all the answers

Which area of Hong Kong was unlawful for certain buildings according to the zoning legislations?

Peak District Signup and view all the answers

Which organization is humorously noted as having a significant influence over power in Hong Kong during the 1920s?

Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Eurasian population mainly serve in colonial Hong Kong?

Compradors with Western education and religion Signup and view all the answers

What is the phenomenon referred to as 'coolie trade' associated with the Chinese working class?

A new form of slavery involving imported laborers Signup and view all the answers

In what year did the first ordinance banning Mui Tsai take place?

1938 Signup and view all the answers

How did the Chinese merchant class exercise power during early colonial rule in Hong Kong?

By establishing the Man Mo Temple Signup and view all the answers

What does 'bio power' refer to in the context of colonial objectives?

Governance through health and population management Signup and view all the answers

What was the positioning of the Governor in terms of power dynamics in 1920s Hong Kong?

One of several key powerful entities Signup and view all the answers

Which ethnic minority is specifically mentioned as part of Hong Kong's working class during the colonial period?

Parsi from India Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hong Kong Story - Lecture 2: HK as a Crown Jewel of the British Empire

HK's history is intrinsically linked to British colonial history and legacy.
Early colonial history focused on British motivations for wanting Hong Kong.
Was there a harmonious assimilation, or conflict stemming from early colonization?
The initial British governance had a focus on benevolent rule as well as social class and colonial state relations.
A significant aspect of the lecture is gauging the success and factors that contributed to HK's rise.
Similar terms used to describe HK's success (in textbooks) are geographical advantages, trade, economics, and stewardship.

SD1: HK History as Modernization?

Hong Kong's natural environment and subsequent colonization led to modernization.
Development followed a linear, western model of modernization.
This involved gradual and natural societal advancements.
The progression is typically depicted as pre-modern vs. modern (e.g., agricultural society vs. industrialization).

High-Definition Image 1: 'De-tours' in Development and Early Colonial Governance

The natural habitat and British motivations (e.g., trade) for pursuing Hong Kong are key questions explored.
The early history considers the degree to which this 'modernization' was harmonious or if conflicts arose.
A focus is on both sides and factors which influenced the 'de-tours' in the development.
This examines global and regional geopolitical events and its impact on HK.

HD2 & HD3: Ordered Society Without Conflicts and Colonial State-Society Relations

The lecture highlights the harmonious juxtaposition of East (China) and West (Britain).
British governance is deemed benevolent, and the local population largely accepted colonial rule without significant conflict.
The lecture explores early HK social class and colonial governance.

Hong Kong Chronicles

An overview on the chronicles and overview of HK's chronology.
Year by year events and English version available are noted.

Birth of the Former Colony

Clashes between East (China) and West (Britain) over trade resulted in wars and unequal treaties.
Key treaties and conventions include the Treaty of Nanking (Nanjing), Convention of Peking (Beijing), and conventions related to the expansion of the Hong Kong territory.

Selected Events in Britain (Industrialization 1.0)

Key events in the period pertaining to Britain's historical context. (Industrial Revolution).
The events include the introduction of Poor Laws, the establishment of Queen Victoria, the abolition of slavery, and the Opium Wars, and other geopolitical and historical occurrences of the same period.

Treaty of Nanking (1842)

Aiming to abolish the Canton System, where Cohong and Thirteen Factories monopolised foreign trade.
A catalyst for the First Opium War (1839-1842) was the ban of Opium trade by Lin Zexu.
Opened five treaty ports for trade (Canton, Amoy, Foochow, Ningbo, and Shanghai).
HK Island granted to Britain.

Was It Hong Kong That the British Wanted? - A Barren Rock?

Early British perception of Hong Kong: a barren rock, not suitable for significant settlement.
This directly contrasts with evidence of prior settlements and population.
Sir Charles Elliot, a British official, played a key role in negotiating Hong Kong's cession.

A Summary: Back to Linear History Argument

The imposition of 'linear history' suggests a breakdown in the 'smooth' view of HK's development.
This examination involves a discussion of factors like world historical context, land surveys, police, and global influences.

The formation of early British (and European) and Chinese social classes.
The differences in the lives and roles of working classes in the archives.
Did de facto segregation happen?

The British Class and Network

Jardine Matheson Group in Hong Kong
Founding of Jardine Matheson and Co; development of JM & Co in Canton; establishment in HK.
Involvement in business sectors like land, telegraphs, ice-making, and sugar mills.
The network and intertwining power are also noted.
The Royal HK Jockey Club (1884)
The club serves as a marker of British influence and interconnected power structures.

The British/European/Eurasian Class and the Working Class

Various segments are noted like European soldiers, police officers; sailors, wanderers, smugglers; sex workers, and Eurasians.
Focus on specific groups and their roles.
The presence of ethnic minorities like Parsis from India.

The Chinese Working Class

Discussion on coolie trade as a form of exploitative labor.
The treatment of Chinese migrant laborers.
The history of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals' establishment and its related stories.

HD: Early Colonial Rule in Urban Area

The indirect rule of the Chinese elite, with the Chinese merchant class and the Man Mo Temple representing a form of local power.
Incorporating aspects of the local Chinese system to aid the colonial rule.

Indirect-Rule by the Chinese Elites

Examine the role of Chinese merchants (and the Man Mo Temple) in administering local laws.
Evidence of a local (Chinese) governing structure to help the British maintain order.
The story of Loo Aqui, a dockworker, and Tam Achoy, a fisherman, exemplifies the complexity by demonstrating how Chinese individuals contributed to the colonial system.
Accounts of scandals, including the Kwong Fook I-tsz management scandal.

Marginalization and Incorporation

The Tung Wah Group, including events like the plague, and how the colonial administration responded and interacted with the local population.
Describing the Chinese community's approach to maintaining their culture and practices (e.g., Tung Wah Group supporting Chinese traditional culture).
Administrative absorption, 'committees' to intervene in Chinese affairs, with Western education being a significant aspect to absorption.

Marginalization and Incorporation - Administrative Absorption

Establishing committees and boards to intervene in the local Chinese affairs.
Chinese elite absorbing Western education with a focus on committees and boards.
Role of the sanitary board, Chinese members, and the Eurasian elites. (Example: Sir Kai Ho).

Marginalization and Incorporation – The Plague

The plague's arrival and how it affected the Tung Wah Group.
Rumors about Western medicine and the efforts to dispel them.
How the colonial state responded, and how Chinese organizations adapted and changed.

In Short: Colonial Rule

Complicated nature of colonial rule in Hong Kong.
Usage of 'bio power' to achieve objectives.
Colonial cooperation and suppression of the local population.
Social classes, divided on lines of ethnicity and the segregation experienced.

References

Listing of the academic sources consulted. (Books, journals, webpages) and their related content.

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Description

This quiz explores the significance of Hong Kong in British colonial history, examining the motivations behind colonization and the concepts of assimilation versus conflict. It also discusses the early governance and social dynamics that contributed to Hong Kong's success as a trade hub. Engage with key themes of modernization and geographical advantages in this context.