Great Britain
During the 19th century, Britain controlled most of the limited trade allowed with China, particularly through the opium trade. The British East India Company played a significant role in exporting opium from India to China, which led to significant economic and social impacts in China. This dominance was solidified after the Opium Wars, resulting in treaties that opened up Chinese ports to British trade and influence.
Three countries that sent ships to trade in China are Portugal, the Netherlands, and Britain. In the 16th century, Portugal was among the first Europeans to establish trade relations with China, followed by the Dutch in the 17th century, who sought to expand their trading influence. Britain became increasingly involved in the 18th and 19th centuries, culminating in significant trade activities during the Opium Wars.
China lost a lot of rights in it to Great Britain
The main reason for the conflict between Britain and China in the 19th century was the opium trade. Britain was exporting opium from India to China, leading to widespread addiction and social issues in China. The Chinese government's attempts to curb the opium trade culminated in the First Opium War (1839-1842), as Britain sought to protect its economic interests, resulting in a series of unequal treaties that favored British trade and territorial control. This conflict marked the beginning of significant Western influence and intervention in China.
Confucianism and Christianity
Short answer. NO Long answer. Britain had colonies and treaty ports in Chinese cities as well as much influence and control over the Qing Empire (1644-1912), but never 'conquered' China.
There are various times in which China resisted European influence. For example, during the Opium Wars in which they resisted the British.
Great Britain defeated China in 1842 during the First Opium War. The conflict arose primarily from disputes over trade, particularly the opium trade, and culminated in China's defeat, leading to the Treaty of Nanking. This treaty marked a significant shift in China's relations with Western powers, ceding Hong Kong to Britain and opening several ports to British trade.
In the 1890s there were 5 countries that made up a sphere of influence in China. The countries were Britain, France, Japan, Germany, and Imperial Russia.
The Treaty of Nanjing was signed in 1842, marking the end of the First Opium War between the United Kingdom and the Qing Dynasty of China. It ceded Hong Kong to Britain, opened five ports to British trade, and established a fixed tariff on trade. Additionally, it included provisions for the payment of reparations by China. This treaty is often seen as a significant step in the establishment of foreign influence in China during the 19th century.
During the 19th century, European powers were able to divide China into spheres of influence primarily due to China's military weaknesses and internal strife, particularly highlighted during the Opium Wars and the Taiping Rebellion. The Qing Dynasty struggled to maintain control and effectively respond to foreign pressures, leading to unequal treaties that granted Western nations economic privileges and territorial concessions. This allowed countries like Britain, France, Germany, and Russia to establish areas where they held significant control over trade and resources, undermining China's sovereignty. As a result, these spheres of influence facilitated Western exploitation and further weakened China's political and social structures.