The+Treaty+of+Nanking+(1842)


 * __The Treaty of Nanking (1842)__**



The Treaty of Nanking was a peace agreement betweeen the British Empire and China. Although it was technically an unequal treaty, it did end the first Opium War which was fought between 1839 and 1842. Though this was essentially an unequal treaty between the British Empire and China, the results affected many other countries rising to power, i.e. America. It was signed by both the British and Chinese on August 29, 1842, and the terms of the treaty guaranteed the Hong Kong islands to the British Islands. In addition, the following ports were open for cheap and foreign trade:

Canton (Guangzhou) Amoy (Xiamen) Foochow (Fuzhou) Ningpo (Ningbo) Shanghai

The following are sections of the treaty.
 * In addition, the Chinese government had to pay Britain a large sum of 3,000,000 million dollars, in order to pay off the damages made upon the country. (section 1)
 * British subjects may reside in certain cities without molestation. (section 2)
 * Great Britain will appoint counselors and superintendents. They will serve as mediums of communication between the Chinese and British merchants. (section 2)
 * The Island of [|Hong Kong] shall be given to Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain; this shall serve as a port for the British to maintain and refit their ships. (section 3)
 * The Emperor of China shall pay 6,000,000 dollars in order to pay off the amount of money owed for the opium. (section 4)

Though this may not seem to be directly associated with America, in a sense, it affected America and paved it's way to becoming an international power. This treaty left China incredibly weak, thus enabling the other powers (Russia, America, Britain, Germany, etc) to take advantage of dwindling China.

China had to now pay Britain $21,000,000 in this way; 6,000,000 immediately. 6,000,000 in 1843; that is, 3,000,000 on or before the 30th of the month of June, and 3,000,000 on or before the 3Ist of December. 5,000,000 in 1844; that is, 2,500,000 on or before the 30th of June, and 2,500,000 on or before the 3Ist of December. 4,000,000 in 1845; that is, 2,000,000 on or before the 30th of June, and 2,000,000 on or before the 3Ist of December

China was now in debt because of the high amount that they had to pay Britain and made them a much weaker country economically and much easier more vulnerable to become imperialized by another nation. Now China was not a dominant country anymore and they lost respect as being one of the strongest nations in the world.

Home -->