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causes of the opium war - Coggle Diagram
causes of the opium war
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Long term causes
Trade
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Import tariffs would eventually make up 10% of all government income in 20 years. Britain was suffering from a massive trade deficit with China as a result of its desire for tea.
China had a 'closed door' trading system (The Canton system), which frustrated the British. They attempted to open trade twice, but both missions were unsuccessful (1793 + 1816)
Cultural differences
chinese wanted silver in return for goods instead of british goods, which the british thought was expensive and unfair
the british were ignorant of chinese cultures, law and customs: thus, the chienese regarded british people as 'foreign devils'
Both China and Britain believed themselves to be the most powerful nation in the world, leading to resentment