The British established a lucrative trade with China primarily through the export of opium, which was grown in India. This trade led to widespread addiction in China and significant social and economic issues. In exchange, the British imported Chinese goods such as tea, silk, and porcelain, which were highly sought after in Europe. The opium trade ultimately contributed to conflicts like the Opium Wars, leading to significant changes in China's trade policies and territorial concessions to Britain.
The British forced China to trade for tea and silks primarily by exporting opium, which was grown in British-controlled India. As the Chinese population became increasingly addicted to opium, demand surged, leading to a trade imbalance that favored Britain. This situation ultimately resulted in the Opium Wars, which forced China to open its markets and cede territories, such as Hong Kong, to British control. Through these conflicts, Britain established a significant foothold in Chinese trade.
The British wanted to trade opium for China's resources.
trade
it was established in 1992 by a number of British Charity's
It means that the British were importing more goods from China than they were exporting goods to China.
The British wanted to trade opium for China's resources.
opium
The British were forced to pay for their imports with silver. The British sent increasing quantities of silver to China, especially in exchange for tea, which was in great demand by British. At first, the British tried to negotiate with the Chinese to improve the trade imbalance. When negotiating failed, the British turned to trading opium.
India
porcelain, exotic tea, and silk.
porcelain, exotic tea, and silk.
Trade. Export of opium to China (grown in British India) had been a very profitable business for the British. When the Chinese Government tried to put a stop to it, Britain started the war to force China to re-open its market for this British export product.