China’s Fall to Foreign Influence

China Before the West

China’s first dynasty began before 1600 BC.

They had a long history of being technologically advanced and self – sufficient meaning they didn’t depend on any trade to support their people.

China Maximizes It’s Resources

• China’s economy was based on agriculture. They produced enough crops to support their population and trade.

• China also had extensive mining and manufacturing. They produced salt, tin, silver and iron. The mines provided works for many.

• China also produced high quality cottons and porcelain.

China’s Resources

Meet the West• In the 18th century the

Chinese emperor agreed to meet an ambassador from England.

• The ambassador brought all sorts of advanced inventions from the west: clocks, globes, musical instruments, and a hot air balloon.

• China was not impressed. They already had more advanced versions of these items.

Trade on China’s Terms

• China only allowed westerners to trade at one port, Guangzhou.

• At this port China very carefully monitored trade and it was in their favor. They earned much more from their exports than they spent on importing goods.

Tempting China• Europeans wanted to

find something to tempt the Chinese, so they’d import a lot of it.

• They did find something to tempt China, opium, a habit forming narcotic made from the poppy plant.

British Provoke War• The British began

smuggling opium into China for non – medical use.

• It took a while, but eventually over 12 million Chinese were addicted to opium.

• The growing supply of opium caused many problems in China.

• Britain refused to stop trading opium and this led to a war.

The Opium War• When Britain refused

to stop trading opium China was left with no choice but to go to war.

• The Opium War happened in 1839. It occurred mostly at sea. Britain had a very strong navy and they easily defeated the outdated Chinese ships.

Treaty of Nanjing• In 1842, after their humiliating defeat,

China signed the Treaty of Nanjing.• The treaty gave Britain the island Hong

Kong. • Treaty of Nanjing paved the way for

another treaty which gave the U.S. and other foreign nations extraterritorial rights which made an exemption from Chinese laws at four other ports besides Guangzhou.

• This gave foreigners much more access to China and the opium trade continued.