Question

global history
imperialism in china

1. define: unfavorable balance of trade -
2. why did europeans have an unfavorable balance of trade with china?
3. why did china demand bullion for their products?

why was this a problem for europeans?

1. how did europeans balance the trade deficit?
2. what is opium?

to what extent was it available in china?

1. what was the british opium plan?
2. how did the chinese government react?
3. what was the treaty of nanjing? what did it grant to the british?
4. what happened to china after their loss in the opium war?
5. why did numerous internal rebellions erupt in china?
6. what was the boxer rebellion? the result?
7. what was the open door policy?
8. what was the reality of china in 1900?

Explanation:

1. Unfavorable balance of trade is when a country imports more than it exports.
2. Europeans had an unfavorable balance with China as they desired Chinese goods like tea, silk, porcelain but China had little interest in European products.
3. China demanded bullion as it had a strong domestic economy and wanted hard - currency for its high - demand products. This was a problem for Europeans as they had limited bullion reserves.
4. Europeans balanced the trade deficit by smuggling opium into China.
5. Opium is a highly addictive drug derived from the opium poppy plant. It was widely available in China due to British smuggling.
6. The British opium plan was to use opium sales to China to counter the trade imbalance and gain economic advantage.
7. The Chinese government initially tried to ban opium imports and enforce anti - opium laws, which led to the Opium Wars.
8. The Treaty of Nanjing was the first of the unequal treaties. It granted the British Hong Kong Island, opened five treaty ports for trade, and required China to pay a large indemnity.
9. After losing the Opium War, China was forced into a series of unequal treaties, opening up more ports, losing tariff autonomy, and facing increased foreign influence.
10. Numerous internal rebellions erupted in China due to economic hardships caused by foreign exploitation, high taxes to pay indemnities, and social unrest.
11. The Boxer Rebellion was an anti - foreign, anti - Christian uprising. The result was another defeat for China, more indemnities, and further foreign occupation.
12. The Open Door Policy was a principle to keep China open to trade for all countries on equal terms. It was partially implemented but faced challenges from various foreign powers seeking exclusive rights.
13. In 1900, China was in a state of semi - colonialism, facing internal unrest, foreign occupation in some areas, and a weakened central government.

Answer:

1. Unfavorable balance of trade: A situation where imports exceed exports.
2. Europeans' unfavorable trade: Desire for Chinese goods, lack of Chinese interest in European ones.
3. China's bullion demand: Strong domestic economy; problem for Europeans due to limited reserves.
4. Europeans' trade deficit balance: Smuggling opium.
5. Opium: Addictive drug from opium poppy, widely available in China due to smuggling.
6. British opium plan: Use opium sales to counter trade imbalance.
7. Chinese government reaction: Tried to ban opium, leading to wars.
8. Treaty of Nanjing: First unequal treaty; granted Hong Kong, opened ports, indemnity.
9. After Opium War loss: Forced into unequal treaties, increased foreign influence.
10. Internal rebellions: Caused by foreign exploitation, high taxes, social unrest.
11. Boxer Rebellion: Anti - foreign, anti - Christian; result was defeat, more indemnities.
12. Open Door Policy: Keep China open to trade; partially implemented.
13. China in 1900: Semi - colonial, internal unrest, foreign occupation, weakened government.