Opium War Overview

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Questions and Answers

What was one reason British merchants were limited in their trade with China?

They were forbidden from selling textiles.
They were only allowed to trade in opium.
They could not go beyond the city of Canton. (correct)
They had to pay in silver for all goods.

What was the main product the British East India Company sold to address the trade imbalance with China?

Opium (correct)
Tea
Porcelain
Silk

What event triggered the start of the first Opium War?

The British lost a significant shipment of opium.
The Chinese government seized and burned 1000 tons of opium. (correct)
Britain decided to expand their trading routes in China.
A pirate attack on British ships near Hong Kong.

Which statement best describes the financial situation of the East India Company before the Opium War?

<p>They faced financial problems due to a negative trade balance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Britain established Hong Kong as a major trading port. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Canton Trade Restriction

British merchants were limited to trading in Canton, China, preventing them from accessing lucrative markets and expanding their business into the Chinese interior.

Trade Imbalance & Silver Drain

The East India Company (EIC) struggled to trade with China due to the lack of demand for British goods, while the British needed a large amount of Chinese goods like tea and silk. This resulted in a negative trade balance, forcing the EIC to pay in silver to make up the difference.

Opium Trade

To overcome the trade deficit and avoid paying in silver, the British East India Company (EIC) illegally sold opium in China, knowing it was highly addictive and in high demand. This allowed them to pay for Chinese goods using opium rather than silver.

Opium Crisis

The illegal opium trade led to rampant addiction and significant silver outflow from China. The Chinese government, concerned about the consequences, confiscated and burned thousands of tons of opium, effectively cracking down on the illicit trade.

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British Response and the Opium War

The British responded to the Chinese crackdown on opium by using military force. The first Opium War (1839 - 1842) resulted in the British gaining control of Hong Kong, establishing it as a key export port.

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