Question

question 2 of 10
why did tensions develop between great britain and china in the mid - 19th century?
a. chinese traders refused to pay fair prices for british manufactured goods.
b. british traders refused to stop breaking chinese laws against selling opium.
c. china threatened to cut off trade with great britain if christian missionaries came to china.
d. great britain refused to send troops to china to help fight internal rebellions.

Explanation:

In the mid-19th century, Britain's illegal opium trade in China caused massive social and economic harm to China. When the Qing government tried to enforce its anti-opium laws (most notably via the 1839 Opium Destruction at Humen), British traders and the British government resisted, leading to the First Opium War and escalating tensions between the two nations. The other options do not align with the core cause of mid-19th century Sino-British tensions.

Answer:

B. British traders refused to stop breaking Chinese laws against selling opium.