Question

What is a long-term consequence of the historical development discussed in this 1839 letter?

(1) establishment of British spheres of influence in China
(2) accumulation of great wealth by the Chinese at British expense
(3) successful enforcement of a Chinese embargo on all British imports
(4) creation of a mutually beneficial trade alliance between Britain and China

Answer 1

The 1839 letter and subsequent events led to the establishment of British spheres of influence in China as a long-term consequence, undermining the authority of the Qing dynasty and increasing foreign dominance in Chinese territories.

Step-by-step explanation:

The historical development described in the 1839 letter pertaining to the Qing dynasty's trade policies and the subsequent Opium Wars had significant long-term consequences on China's interactions with foreign powers. A major outcome was the establishment of British spheres of influence in China. This development occurred after Britain forced China into signing unequal treaties such as the Treaty of Nanjing and the Treaty of Tianjin, resulting in China surrendering Hong Kong and opening various ports to foreign trade. These treaties enabled Britain and eventually other Western powers to establish spheres of influence over different regions of China where they could exert control over trade, legal matters, and Christian missionary activities.

These events severely weakened the authority of the Qing dynasty and enabled foreign nations to dominate economically and politically in certain Chinese territories. The historical series of events, starting with China's seizures of opium and the ensuing military conflicts, ultimately led to an increased foreign presence and influence in China, which was the antithesis of the development of a mutually beneficial trade alliance between Britain and China.

Answer 2

The long-term consequence of the historical development discussed in the 1839 letter is the establishment of British spheres of influence in China, weakening China's sovereignty and economy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The long-term consequence of the historical development discussed in the 1839 letter is the establishment of British spheres of influence in China.

When the British Empire militarily coerced the Chinese empire to accept the import of Indian opium, they forced an 'open door' policy on China in which all foreign nations had free and equal access to Chinese ports. This led to other countries, including Japan, Russia, France, and Germany, also carving out their own spheres of influence in China, where they controlled markets through tariffs and transportation.

This development had a lasting impact on China's sovereignty and economy, as it weakened the authority of the ruling Chinese Qing dynasty and led to foreign dominance over trade and resources.