Imperialism in China

1. Imperialism in China

2. In The Beginning… • The British did not like their trade arrangements with China • They had an unfavorable trade balance…they imported more than they exported. • 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.

3. The Opium Predicament • At first, the British tried to negotiate with the Chinese to improve the trade imbalance • China refused to modify its arrangements • So, Britain turned to importing illegal Opium • Opium had been used as a medicine and Chinese government was aware of its dangerous qualities. It was illegal in the country • Opium was grown in India under the control of the British East India Company and then shipped directly to Chinese markets, surpassing the government • Demand for Opium grew…officials estimate that up to 15% of the population was addicted • This led to the 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.

7. China’s Reaction… • They appealed to the British government on moral grounds. A government official wrote to Queen Victoria: • “ 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.

8. 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 Nanjing • China 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…

9. 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.