Please Help Me (China Imperialism)?

Question:What was life like AFTER European Imperialism. (After Europe took over China) Easy 10 points. Help!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: What was life like AFTER European Imperialism. (After Europe took over China) Easy 10 points. Help!

China and Europe began their trading relationships under Chinese rules: China considered itself self-sufficient and without need for anything the barbarians had to offer. China set strict rules to limit contacts between European and Chinese. Trade was limited to set months; trade could only take place at designated places controlled by Chinese, and entry was controlled by Chinese authorities. Europeans didn't live in China.

In short ship's crews and designated commercial agents were allowed short-term entry to deal only with a few Chinese merchants chosen by China. The terms of trade turned against Europe due to the great and growing demands for tea, silk, and porcelain ("china"); China demanded payment in silver, it didn't want other goods. Europe was in danger of losing its monetary base, ie bankruptcy.

The Brits began to grow and import opium into China; a large addicted market quickly grew up; trade became drugs from the British,\; tea, silk, and china went to Europe for sale there, including the US in the 19th c.

The second stage was the era of treaty ports (1840s). European countries went to war, used their navies to capture port cities, and forced the Chinese to accept its terms: establishing residential areas in the trading ports under sole European law and control; gaining wide access to travel throughout China.The balance shifted completely to where the Europeans lived in their self-contained colonies under their own laws, and did pretty much as they pleased to the Chinese.

First of all, Europe never really took over China. Hong Kong and Macao and a few Western enclaves are minor. The Japanese were much more influential. In fact they actually did take over large parts of it. Perhaps you might want to re-phrase your question.

Europe took over China? Why have I not been told of this historical event? :(

China was careful to open to international trade. European countries bargained for spheres of influence--for permission to trade in various regions of China. The UK traded in major ports like Hong Kong and Guangzhou (Canton). Russia traded in Manchuria. Portugal controlled Macao. France also traded in Guangzhou.

edit: more info on these spheres and their gradual decline at the link below