Why did conflict occur between the Qing emperors and Europeans over trade? (1 point) Responses The Qing emperors felt that the European imports were too expensive. The Qing emperors felt that the European imports were too expensive. The Europeans wanted to discontinue trade because they felt threatened by their power. The Europeans wanted to discontinue trade because they felt threatened by their power. The Qing emperors placed strict regulations on European trade. The Qing emperors placed strict regulations on European trade. The Europeans wanted more valuable items in exchange for their furs.
The Qing emperors placed strict regulations on European trade.
The correct answer is: The Qing emperors placed strict regulations on European trade.
To understand why conflict occurred between the Qing emperors and Europeans over trade, it is important to consider the historical context. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Qing dynasty in China implemented a policy known as the Canton System, which tightly regulated foreign trade. Under this system, European traders were only allowed to conduct trade with China through the port of Canton (now Guangzhou) and were subject to strict regulations and restrictions.
The Qing emperors placed these strict regulations on European trade primarily to maintain control over their domestic economy and prevent excessive foreign influence. They were concerned about the potential negative impact of European imports on the Chinese economy. Additionally, they wanted to preserve the Ming-era tributary system, which placed China in a superior position vis-à-vis other nations.
On the other hand, European traders desired to expand their trade opportunities and gain access to valuable Chinese goods such as tea, silk, and porcelain. They faced numerous challenges under the Canton System, including limited access to Chinese markets and restrictions on the types of goods they could trade. The Europeans also wanted more valuable items in exchange for their furs and other commodities.
The clash of interests between the Qing emperors and Europeans, coupled with differing economic and political motivations, ultimately led to conflict over trade. The Europeans sought to challenge and circumvent the Qing regulations, leading to tensions and occasional violent clashes. This conflict eventually played a role in the Opium Wars, which further deteriorated relations between China and European powers.