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 Qing emperors placed strict regulations on European trade.
To understand why conflict occurred between the Qing emperors and Europeans over trade, we need to examine the historical context of the Qing Dynasty and European colonial expansion.
During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), China was ruled by a succession of emperors from the ethnic Manchu minority. The Qing emperors implemented a policy known as the Canton System, which tightly regulated foreign trade. Under this system, all foreign trade was restricted to the port of Canton (present-day Guangzhou), and trade between Chinese and Europeans was heavily controlled.
One of the main reasons for conflict between the Qing emperors and Europeans over trade was the differences in economic and political interests. Europeans, particularly the British, sought to establish profitable trade relations with China to access its vast market and resources. However, the Qing emperors saw trade primarily as a means to extract tribute and maintain control over foreign influences.
The Europeans, especially the British East India Company, began exporting large quantities of goods to China, including opium. This led to a significant outflow of silver from China, causing economic instability. In response to this imbalance, the Qing government enacted strict regulations on European trade, including limits on the types and quantities of goods that could be traded.
The Qing emperors also felt threatened by the growing military and political influence of European powers. As China's historical dominance and economic power waned, the European powers sought to expand their territorial and economic interests. This led to conflicts and tensions, such as the Opium Wars in the mid-19th century, where the British and other European powers forced China to open more ports for trade through military force.
In summary, conflict between the Qing emperors and Europeans over trade occurred due to differences in economic interests, imposition of strict regulations by the Qing Dynasty, and the European powers' desire for greater access and control over China's markets and resources.