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The Opium Wars. Trade Between China and Europe. Europeans had to find a way to balance trade a . silks , fine porcelains, tea for silver bullion b. Sooo . let’s get them addicted – how about to Indian opium? . Negative Impact of Opium Trade in China.
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Trade Between China and Europe • Europeans had to find a way to balance trade • a. silks, fine porcelains, tea for silver bullion • b. Sooo. let’s get them addicted – how about to Indian opium?
Negative Impact of Opium Trade in China • Draining the economy of bullion (silver) • can’t pay for public works (like roads, canals, etc) • the number of addicted members of society was crippling and affected all walks of life • from civil service employees down to the family unit.
Taking a bite out of crime… • For years, laws against opium not enforced until… • a. Lin Zexu enforces the laws • b. Blockades Canton from European traders – warehouses searched • Opium confiscated and destroyed
European Reaction to the Chinese Destruction of Opium • c. Surprisingly, Europeans annoyed – property rights being infringed • Easily won naval, land war of 1839-1841 • d. From victory – China forced to open ports – not just Canton/Macau anymore • 90 ports – 300,000 traders by 1890s
China-Europe relations after 1850 • China treated as subservient to Europe after 1850 • a. No protective tariffs to protect Chinese manufacturing • b. Had to accept European ambassadors in court – as equals • c. Opium trade rolls in unchecked