From Diplomacy to War - British Foreign Policy in China 1793 – 1860

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• The Anglo-Chinese Trade
  • Origins and Development
  • The Opium Trade
  • The First Opium War
  • The Second Opium War
• Consequences of the Opium Wars
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper explores the development of British political and economic relations with China from 1793 to 1860. The study focuses on the shift from a primarily cultural clash to an economic conflict, highlighting the contrasting motivations and strategies employed by both empires. Key themes include:

• The evolution of British trade interests in China
• The rise of opium trade and its impact on the Anglo-Chinese relationship
• The impact of the Opium Wars on both empires
• The consequences of the wars for China's history and its relationship with the West

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

Introduction

This chapter introduces the historical context of Anglo-Chinese relations in the 18th century, emphasizing the Qing Emperors' restrictions on foreign trade and the British desire to expand their commercial interests in the Far East. The chapter sets the stage for the subsequent analysis of the turning point in Anglo-Chinese relations during the period 1793-1860.

The Anglo-Chinese Trade

Origins and Development

This section outlines the origins of the Anglo-Chinese trade relationship, tracing its development from the 17th century. It highlights the restrictive policies of the Qing government, particularly the confinement of foreign traders to Canton and the monopoly held by the Cohong merchants. The chapter also emphasizes the increasing British demand for Chinese tea and the resulting trade deficit.

The Opium Trade

This section details the emergence of opium as a key British commodity in the intra-Asian trade. It explains how opium, initially used medicinally, became a source of significant revenue for the British and how its growing demand in China led to a shift in the balance of trade.

Consequences of the Opium Wars

This chapter examines the long-term impact of the Opium Wars on both China and the British Empire, analyzing their repercussions on Chinese history and its interactions with the West. It explores the concept of "scramble of China" and its impact on the country's political and economic landscape.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The main keywords and focus topics of this work include: Anglo-Chinese relations, British Empire, Qing Dynasty, opium trade, Opium Wars, East India Company, trade restrictions, cultural clash, economic conflict, Chinese history, and Western imperialism.