BBC Teach on Trade and Empire

What sparked a huge demand for silver in China in the 16th century?

• The Emperor of China decided that taxes must be paid in silver.

• Silver was discovered in the Andes mountains.

• China began producing silverware.

• The British demanded silver for tea.

Who was considered the richest man in the world due to the silver trade?

• A British East India Company official

• The Emperor of China

• A Chinese merchant

• The King of Spain

What was the main reason for the British East India Company's trade mission to China in 1792?

• To sell opium to China

• To establish a British colony in China

• To persuade Emperor Cheng long to buy British goods

• To explore the Chinese culture

What was the outcome of Lord McCartney's trade mission to China?

• It was a complete success.

• It led to the opening of several Chinese ports to British trade.

• It was a complete and utter failure.

• It resulted in a military alliance between Britain and China.

What unique commodity did China control that the rest of the world demanded?

• Opium

• Tea

• Silk

• Silver

Who was Hawkwa?

• A British diplomat

• A Chinese emperor

• A Chinese merchant

• An American trader

What was the main problem with Britain's trade with China in the early 19th century?

• Britain could not find a product that the Chinese wanted to buy.

• The British were not interested in Chinese tea.

• Britain refused to trade in silver.

• China imposed heavy taxes on British goods.

What illegal product did Western merchants begin smuggling into China to balance trade?

• Silk

• Opium

• Silver

• Tea

What was Commissioner Lin's approach to stopping the opium trade?

• He negotiated trade agreements with Britain.

• He confiscated opium and executed dealers.

• He legalized opium to control its distribution.

• He encouraged the cultivation of opium in China.

How did the opium trade impact China?

• It caused a decline in tea production.

• It resulted in millions of opium addicts.

• It improved China's relations with Western countries.

• It led to economic prosperity.