For my
group project, we will be researching the largest Chinese migration to the
United States. I will be researching about the Opium War, since it was the
cause why numerous of the Chinese people had immigrated to the United States. I
read articles and a video about the Opium War. In the video, I have
learned that European merchants did not have access to Chinese market. The
Chinese were introduced to the Opium by the Europeans, and millions of /Chinese
were addicted by the drug. The Qing Empire banned the opium, but importation of
it still continues with the help of the corrupt local authorities. China
confiscated over 1000 tons of opium worth millions following a blockade
of the merchant's quarter, and the opium were destroyed in May 1939. The
merchants then demanded compensation. British Elliot assured them, would
provide by the British government, but the government said no,
because it was the Chinese responsibility. There was
a fierce public debate on the matter, then few months
later, Parliament voted in April of 1840 to send a fleet to
china carrying Britain's demands. The British came and seized
all the ports even though the local Chinese authorities refused to
surrender. The British occupied islands, like the Zhoushan Island, to use as a
base. On August, they block more ports. Soon, they attacked two more ports
guarding the mouth of the Pearl River, Chuanbi and Tycocktow. During this Opium
War, there had been over five hundred Chinese killed and about thirty-eight British
soldiers that have been wounded. China eventually had to pay $20 million.
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This picture shows the British, Macartney on his knees asking the Qing Emperor for permission to trade with the Chinese beyond the designated city of Canton. As you can see, the Emperor was not impressed, even though Macartney brought manufactured trinkets, such as clocks, and a letter from his king, George III.
