Description
Option 1: Opium War
For this discussion, we're going to have a debate about the Opium War between the Chinese Point of View and the Western Point of View
If your last name begins with A-M, you will discuss the Chinese Point of View
If your last name begins with N-Z, you will discuss the Western Point of View
Question to discuss: What are the best arguments for your side of the Opium Trade? What similarities do you see between the opium crisis in 19th century China and today's drug war?
Below is a list of useful documents via Columbia Univ. website
Chinese Point of View
- Qianlong's Letter to George III
The translated text of two letters sent from Emperor Qianlong to the King of England, writted before the onset of the Opium Wars. - The Morality of the Opium Trade: A British Merchant's Answer
The British merchant points to the hypocrisy of allowing opium to be traded in China while it is illegal to do so in Europe and deplores the poisonous effects of opium smoking on Chinese society. - Commissioner Lin's Letter
A letter written to Queen Victoria by Chinese customs inspector LIN Zexu urging the Queen to end the opium trade. - The “Self-Strengthening” Movement in China, 1898
A memorial written to the emperor advocating change and reform in the wake of numerous military defeats abroad and societal uprisings at home.
Western Point of View
- Looking at China
Brief summary of an English view of dynastic China. - Becoming "Chinese"
Highlights the differences between Chinese and Western culture. - The Morality of the Opium Trade: An American Merchant in Canton
The American account is favorable to the opium trade, stating that opium has no ill effect on its users. - Lord Palmerston
A brief letter written in 1841 by the British Foreign Secretary to the British envoy in China urging the envoy to convince Chinese officials to legalize the sale of opium.
Explanation & Answer
Attached.
Running Head: 19TH CENTURY OPIUM WAR
19TH Century Opium War (Chinese Point of View)
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
1
19TH CENTURY OPIUM WAR
2
China had the right reasons to go into the opium war with the British. The effects of the
opium trade on China were devastating socially, economically and politically. It is important to
note that the beginning of the opium war was the attempt of China to stop the trade of opium
("digital china/Harvard: Letter of Advice to Queen Victoria", 2020). First and foremost the trad...
Review
Review
