2. China Before the West
China’s first dynasty
began before
1600 BC.
They had a long
history of being
technologically
advanced and
self – sufficient
meaning they
didn’t depend on
any trade to
support their
people.
3. China Maximizes It’s
Resources
• China’s economy was based on
agriculture. They produced enough
crops to support their population and
trade.
• China also had extensive mining and
manufacturing. They produced
salt, tin, silver and iron. The mines
provided works for many.
• China also produced high quality
cottons and porcelain.
5. Meet the West
• In the 18th century the
Chinese emperor
agreed to meet an
ambassador from
England.
• The ambassador
brought all sorts of
advanced inventions
from the west:
clocks, globes, musical
instruments, and a hot
air balloon.
• China was not
impressed. They
already had more
advanced versions of
these items.
6. Trade on China’s Terms
• China only allowed
westerners to trade at
one port, Guangzhou.
• At this port China very
carefully monitored
trade and it was in
their favor. They
earned much more
from their exports
than they spent on
importing goods.
7. Tempting China
• Europeans wanted to
find something to
tempt the Chinese, so
they’d import a lot of
it.
• They did find
something to tempt
China, opium, a habit
forming narcotic
made from the poppy
plant.
8. British Provoke War
• The British began
smuggling opium into
China for non –
medical use.
• It took a while, but
eventually over 12
million Chinese were
addicted to opium.
• The growing supply of
opium caused many
problems in China.
• Britain refused to stop
trading opium and this
led to a war.
9. The Opium War
• When Britain refused to
stop trading opium
China was left with no
choice but to go to
war.
• The Opium War
happened in 1839. It
occurred mostly at
sea. Britain had a very
strong navy and they
easily defeated the
outdated Chinese
ships.
10. Treaty of Nanjing
• In 1842, after their humiliating defeat, China
signed the Treaty of Nanjing.
• The treaty gave Britain the island Hong
Kong.
• Treaty of Nanjing paved the way for another
treaty which gave the U.S. and other foreign
nations extraterritorial rights which made an
exemption from Chinese laws at four other
ports besides Guangzhou.
• This gave foreigners much more access to
China and the opium trade continued.
