Causes - Long Term Flashcards
Cause 1: Long term - Political / Cultural
Long-term cause is the deterioration of Sino-British relationships, during 18th Century Qing dynasty was at its peak, perceived itself as the “Middle Kingdom.”, thriving dynasty aimed to maintain its “Mandate of Heaven” through sustaining a social order based on traditional Confucius ideology
Cause 1: 2 - British Expansion
British Empire politically and economically expanded across the globe, driven by imperialism fueled by the industrial revolution, during 18th Century desire for Chinese commodities - silk, porcelain and tea
Cause 1: 3 - Western Influence
Qing emperor saw potential profit from trade, but also danger of Western influence on China, an imperial decree issued in 1757 restricting Canton as the only foreign trading port
Cause 1: 4 - Canton System
Canton System heightened tensions, British East India Company (EIC) desired free trade, merchants under the control of the Cohong and the Hoppo (custom official) who dictated all foreign trade in China, limited to operating out of a factory in the foreign quarter
Cause 1: 5 - Macartney
Opportunity to expand trade to the interior of China, a market of over 300 million, Lord Macartney was sent in 1792 to present ‘tribute’ to the Qianlong emperor to gain Britain “favored trading nations status.”, his brief was to demand more trade ports, reduced duties and tariffs, and the ability to spread European religions to Chinese
Cause 1: 6 - Macartney Fails
Macartney’s demands were unacceptable, they would weaken economic dominance of the Qing and undermine Confucius ideology, fundamental to their social and political order
Cause 1: 7 - Domestic Interests
Keller & Shiue (2020) argue the narrative of China being arrogant and self-isolated is wrong, Qing were concerned about foreigners affecting domestic interests and national security
Cause 1: 8 - Failed Embassies
Failed embassies of Macartney (1793) and Amherst (1819) confirmed to the British the futility of diplomacy and demonstrated force would be needed to achieve commercial goals
Cause 1: 9 - Cultural Differences
Irreconcilable cultural differences were a main cause for Britain deciding to start the war in 1839.
