Opium Wars Flashcards
In depth study 1 (23 cards)
What were the long-term causes of the Opium Wars?
Britain’s expansion as a major European free trade power, exploitation of China as a market and source of materials, rapid expansion of the East Indian Company, and China’s military weakness.
The East Indian Company controlled the opium trade and increased exports to China significantly from 1767 to 1838.
What was the significance of opium trade for Britain’s economy?
It was a vital source of income to pay for increasing imports of tea from China, affecting Britain’s balance of payments.
Britain received substantial revenue from the opium trade, which was crucial for its economy.
How did China’s lack of modernization contribute to the Opium Wars?
China’s unpreparedness economically and culturally made it suspicious of European expansionism, making conflict more likely.
China’s traditional view of its supremacy clashed with Britain’s militaristic approach.
What was the immediate cause of the outbreak of the Opium Wars?
The realization by the Chinese government that opium purchases were rapidly draining its treasury.
By the late 1830s, China was paying out $18 million in silver for opium.
Who was Lin Zexu and what role did he play in the Opium Wars?
Lin Zexu was a special imperial commissioner who led the campaign against the opium trade, seizing stocks and arresting traders.
His moral argument against opium and confrontation with British traders were pivotal in escalating tensions.
What was the outcome of the Convention of Ch’uan-pi in January 1841?
China agreed to pay Britain $6 million, open Canton to British trade, cede Hong Kong, and allow Qing to collect taxes from Hong Kong.
The convention was not formalized into a treaty due to dissatisfaction from both sides.
What were the main terms of the Treaty of Nanjing in 1842?
China to pay $21 million in compensation, cede Hong Kong, grant special trading rights in major ports, and exempt British subjects from local laws.
The treaty marked the beginning of ‘unequal treaties’ that opened China to foreign influence.
What were the causes of the Second Opium War (1856-1860)?
China’s refusal to accept opium imports as legal, the demand for more open ports, and the establishment of a permanent British embassy in Beijing.
The impounding of the Arrow ship by Canton port police triggered renewed conflict.
What were the terms of the Treaty of Tianjin in 1858?
Eleven ports opened to foreign trade, embassies established in Beijing, unrestricted travel for foreigners, and China to pay reparations.
The treaty was signed under duress and marked further encroachment on Chinese sovereignty.
What events led to the burning of the Summer Palace in Beijing in 1860?
Britain and France attacked due to China’s non-compliance with treaty terms and retaliation for the killing of two British journalists.
The destruction of the Summer Palace symbolized European barbarism and caused lasting outrage in China.
What did the Convention of Beijing in 1860 confirm?
It ratified the Treaty of Tianjin and confirmed separate agreements with France, Russia, and the USA, granting Britain Kowloon.
The convention further entrenched foreign control and concessions in China.
What were the overall results of the Opium Wars for China?
China faced humiliation, increased opium imports, loss of territory, and the establishment of treaty ports.
The wars fueled revolutionary nationalism and a comprador class emerged benefiting from Western trade.
How did the British develop Shanghai after gaining control?
They drained marshland, strengthened riverbanks, constructed piers and warehouses, and established consular offices.
By the late 1850s, Shanghai became a major port with significant foreign influence.
True or False: The Opium Wars led to a sense of cultural pride and independence in China.
False. The Opium Wars resulted in a profound cultural trauma and a challenge to China’s perception of supremacy.
The wars highlighted China’s vulnerability and led to efforts to modernize.
What year did Britain and the USA merge their concession areas in Shanghai?
1863
This merger formed the Shanghai International Settlement.
How many trading offices were opened in Shanghai during the period mentioned?
Over 100 trading offices
These offices had scores of British and Chinese staff.
What type of hospital was established in Shanghai?
A Western hospital
This hospital was part of the growing foreign presence in Shanghai.
How many missionaries served the Christian church built in Shanghai?
Twenty missionaries
The church was part of the foreign influence in the area.
What was the increase in the number of ships using Shanghai’s harbour from 1844 to 1855?
From 44 in 1844 to 437 in 1855
This reflects the significant trade boom in Shanghai.
What was the import-export value of textiles in Shanghai in 1860?
Over £5 million
This statistic indicates the scale of trade in Shanghai.
What transformation did Shanghai undergo over the succeeding decades?
Turned into one of the world’s most prosperous and cosmopolitan cities
This change attracted a growing number of foreign commercial and financial interests.
How did the Chinese feel about Shanghai’s development?
A reproach and an inspiration
The Chinese saw it as a reproach for requiring foreigners to develop the city and an inspiration for potential wealth creation.
What advantage did British possession of Shanghai provide?
Access inland
This access opened up the Yangzi valley and central China to British trade and influence.
