Imperialism in China

What is Imperialism? A policy/practice of extending a country’s

power/influence through diplomacy or military force.

Usually this means the taking over of lands in order to gain something (resources, workers, trade posts, etc.)

In The Beginning…The British did not like their trade

arrangements with ChinaThey had an unfavorable trade balance…they

imported more than they exported.o They were constantly importing tea, silk, and

porcelain in exchange for Indian Cotton, but the cotton wasn’t enough and soon they were paying for imports with silver

British traders were restricted to a small trading outlet in Canton…prevented widespread trading.

The Opium PredicamentAt first, the British tried to negotiate with the

Chinese to improve the trade imbalanceChina refused to modify its arrangements

So, Britain turned to importing illegal OpiumOpium had been used as a medicine, government aware

of its dangerous qualities. It was illegal in the countryOpium was grown in India under the control of the British

East India Company, shipped directly to Chinese markets, surpassing the government

Demand for Opium grew…officials estimate that up to 15% of the population was addicted Development of opium dens and traders who would take the drug directly to

the known dens.

Soon, silver was flowing out of China into the pockets of officials with the British E.I.C.

China’s Reaction…They appealed to the British government on

moral grounds. A government official wrote to Queen Victoria:

o “ Suppose there were people from another country who carried opium for sale to England and seduced your people into buying it; certainly your honorable ruler would deeply hate it and be bitterly aroused.”

Britain’s response?Who Cares!!! We’re making money!!!

As a result, the Chinese government blockaded the foreign area in Canton in order to force traders to surrender their chests of opium.

And, Britain’s Reaction…The British responded with force, starting the

Opium War (1839-1842)The Chinese were no match for the British. The British destroyed Chinese coastal/river forts,

paralyzing their military and trade.

The Treaty of NanjingChina agreed to open 5 ports to British goods, pay for

the costs of war, and give Britain the island of Hong Kong

Also, in the 5 ports, Europeans lived in their own sections and were not subject to Chinese laws…a practice known as extraterritoriality.

Nothing was said in the treaty about the opium…

The Start of Imperialism…The agreements under the Treaty of Nanjing

were the start of Imperialism in China.Soon, China offered the same concessions given to the

British to other western nations, in hopes of lessening British power.

This backfired and soon China was divided up into “Spheres of

Influence” – areas where imperial powers had exclusive trading rights.

Soon, warlords in specific areas began to negotiate directly with foreign nations. In return for money, the warlords granted the nations exclusive trading, rail-road building, or mining rights.

This continued to impact China’s economy for a very long time.

Reflection In at least half a page, answer:

Who was at fault here? Should Britain have handled the situation differently? Or should China have? Justify your answer with details…