Reference no: EM133743346

Discussion Post: China Cultural Political & Belic History

Part A: Origins

Here you will explore the origins of the war. Using your textbook (22-1a), write a response that describes the trade imbalance between the British and the Chinese. What caused that trade imbalance? Why did the British turn to opium to balance that trade? How did the Chinese react to the British trade of opium in China? Make sure to include citation from your text here.

Part B: Primary Source Analysis - Short Answer Responses

Read "Commissioner Lin's Letter, 1839," to answer the following questions, a

I. Give at least one reason why Lin argues that the trade of opium is illegal and/or unfair. Do you find his argument convincing?

II. Lin describes the trade balance between the Chinese and the British. What do the British receive that is of value from the Chinese? What do the Chinese receive that is of value from the British?

III. Do you find his claim that the Chinese trade "for no other reason but to share the benefit with the people of the whole world" credible? Why or why not?

Read "Lord Palmerston's Instructions to Sir Henry Pottinger respecting Opium, May, 1841," to answer the following questions:

I. Do you think Palmerston's suggestion would have removed the tensions between the English and the Chinese? Why or why not? Use specific citations to support your argument.

II. Do you agree with Palmerston's statement that it was impossible for the English to help the Chinese prevent the importation of opium? What do you think is his underlying message?

III. How did Palmerston view the Chinese government?