1. Isolation and Trade Rise of Trade Age of Imperialism
European Influence in China
Hong Kong becomes Part of China once Again

2. Rise of Trade
During the Ming dynasty, the Chinese sailed to Africa for the first time. China’s purpose for the voyages to Southeast Asia were for diplomacy and exploration.
Diplomacy occurs when members of governments communicate and establish relationships with one another.
Suddenly, in 1433 the Ming emperor stopped all large expeditions. (his name was Zheng He)
He needed the money for other purposes and he was fearful of military invasions in the North.
The Chinese were afraid of foreigners.

3. Rise of Trade (cont.)
During the 15th century, China wanted to stop foreigners from coming to China. They believe that they were civilized and foreigners were not.
In 1514, Portugese traders came to China and were not allowed into the country. Trade was not legal in China until 1684.
Finally, in 1680 the city of Canton let Europeans in with strict rules.
After many years of foreign rule by the Mongols and constant fear of invasions, the Chinese were scared of foreign influence.

5. The Age of Imperialism
During the 1800’s Europe was filled with rival nations. These nations wanted more resources in order to compete with each other.
The focus was for European countries to build empires on a global scale.
The idea of conquering lands and peoples in Africa, Asia, and other places was called IMPERIALISM.
European powers began to take over other countries and create colonies.

6. New colonies provided Europeans with raw materials such as cotton, rubber, oil, tea, sugar, and coffee.
The Europeans also believed Christianity and European culture was better than everybody else and they wanted to spread their beliefs.

7. European Influence in China
Great Britain wanted to colonize China…but European imperialism worried the Chinese.
The British started bringing in an addictive drug called Opium, to China.
The government of China demanded they stop bringing in Opium, but Britain refused.
They went to war in 1839…called the Opium Wars.
Britain gained the island of Hong Kong and access to 5 Chinese ports in the process.

8. The Treaty of Nanjing
This treaty ended the First Opium War and was one of several unequal treaties that the Chinese had to sign.
In these treaties, the Chinese had to give up many of their territorial rights and their SOVEREIGNTY.
When a country controls its sovereignty, it is in control of its own government and no one else can control it.
British citizens were also given EXTRATERRITORIALITY rights…meaning that British citizens were not subject to Chinese laws.

9. If a Britain was in trouble, they could appeal to the British Consulate.
A consulate is a government office in a foreign country that protects the rights of its citizens.
Various powerful countries also claimed spheres of influence in China.
A sphere of influence is an area in a nation where a foreign nation has control over trade and other economic activiites.

10. Hong Kong Becomes Part of China Again
As a part of the Treaty of Nanjing, Hong Kong was leased to the British Empire until 1997.
Then the lease on Hong Kong ended and it was given back to the Chinese.
Hong Kong was a powerful symbol for the Chinese and they were very happy to have it part of their country once again.
Hong Kong holds much power in the global marketplace.

11. Street in China