China and the West

Why do you think the British outlawed opium for use in Britain but allowed its use in China?

• To protect their own citizens while exploiting Chinese markets

• Because opium was more effective in China

• To encourage Chinese cultural practices

• Because opium was cheaper in China

Answer explanation

The British outlawed opium in Britain to protect their citizens from its harmful effects while exploiting the lucrative opium trade in China, where they could profit from its widespread use.

What does the export of opium grown in India for trade with China tell you about the relationship between Britain and China?

• It is an exploitive relationship that favors British interests over Chinese interests

• It is a relationship that benefits both countries equally

• It is an exploitive relationship that favors Chinese interests over British interests

• It is a mutually beneficial trade agreement

Answer explanation

The export of opium from India to China illustrates an exploitative relationship, where British interests dominate, as Britain profited from the trade while China faced social and economic consequences.

What does "balance of trade" refer to?

• The difference in value between a country's imports and exports

• The equal distribution of goods between countries

• The amount of goods a country produces domestically

• The trade agreements between two countries

Answer explanation

The "balance of trade" specifically refers to the difference in value between a country's imports and exports. A positive balance indicates more exports than imports, while a negative balance indicates the opposite.

What does "balance of trade" refer to?

• The difference between a country's imports and exports

• The total amount of goods a country produces

• The number of trading partners a country has

• The amount of money a country spends on trade

Answer explanation

The "balance of trade" specifically refers to the difference between a country's imports and exports. A positive balance indicates more exports than imports, while a negative balance indicates the opposite.

What was the trade situation between China and Western countries before the Opium Wars?

• China had a trade deficit

• China had a trade surplus

• Westerners had a trade surplus

• Westerners had a balanced trade

Answer explanation

Before the Opium Wars, China had a trade surplus as it exported more goods, particularly tea and silk, to Western countries than it imported. This led to a favorable balance for China in trade relations.

What event marked the change in trade relations between China and the West in 1839?

• The signing of the Treaty of Nanjing

• The start of the Opium Wars

• The fall of the Qing dynasty

• The rise of Chinese reformers

Answer explanation

The start of the Opium Wars in 1839 marked a significant shift in trade relations between China and the West, as it was primarily triggered by disputes over opium trade, leading to military conflict and subsequent treaties.

What was the outcome of the Opium Wars for China?

• China successfully expelled British traders

• China signed the Treaty of Nanjing

• China gained more trade rights

• China maintained its trade surplus

Answer explanation

The Opium Wars resulted in China signing the Treaty of Nanjing in 1842, which marked the end of the First Opium War and imposed unequal terms on China, including ceding Hong Kong to Britain and opening several ports to foreign trade.

What was the right granted to British citizens in China that allowed them to live under their own laws?

• Indemnity

• Trade surplus

• Extraterritoriality

• Trade deficit

Answer explanation

The right granted to British citizens in China to live under their own laws is known as extraterritoriality. This legal principle allowed them to be subject to British law rather than Chinese law.

What did the Treaty of Nanjing force China to do?

• Close its ports to foreign trade

• Open five ports to foreign trade

• Gain control of Hong Kong

• Limit British trade rights

Answer explanation

The Treaty of Nanjing, signed in 1842, forced China to open five ports to foreign trade, significantly expanding British commercial interests in the region and marking the start of a series of unequal treaties.

What was the economic condition of China when it exported more than it imported?

• Trade deficit

• Trade surplus

• Indemnity

• Economic decline

Answer explanation

When China exports more than it imports, it experiences a trade surplus. This indicates a positive economic condition where the value of exports exceeds that of imports, contributing to economic growth.