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.
During the Qing dynasty in China, the emperors implemented a policy of strict regulations on trade with European powers. This policy, known as the Canton System, aimed to maintain control over foreign trade and limit foreign influence in China. Under this system, European merchants were only allowed to trade through the port of Canton (now Guangzhou) and were subject to various restrictions, such as being confined to a designated area called the "Thirteen Factories."
The Qing emperors imposed these strict regulations because they were concerned about the potential negative impact of European trade on Chinese society and economy. They feared that excessive trade could disrupt traditional Chinese social structures and also felt that European goods were not as valuable or desirable as Chinese goods. Therefore, they sought to control and limit the influence of European traders.
This clash of interests, with the Qing emperors seeking to regulate and control European trade while Europeans desired more favorable trading conditions, ultimately led to conflicts and tensions between the Qing dynasty and European powers. Such conflicts were reflected in events like the Opium Wars, where European powers forcefully pushed for more open trade with China.