How Did The Opium Wars Affect China
When China signed the unequal treaties it altered the Chinese way of life for centuries to come. It affected every aspect of Chinese life including the economy, culture and politics. Citizens of China where angry with the government for going to war and causing China to go into debt, they only became more frustrated when China agreed to sign the unequal treaties seemingly easily. This caused the Chinese government to lose a lot of credibility which is something the Chinese government still struggles with today(1). Before the Opium wars began China was an isolationist country that functioned successfully on its own, however as the Opium wars began China became dependent on foreign goods this signified the end of China isolationist economy.
The nation would go on to struggle with their newly adopted capitalist economy however overtime it has proved to be the right choice(1). When China signed the unequal treaties they agreed to open more foreign trade ports this lead to a huge increase of trade. The increase in trade caused shortages of copper which was used as the Chinese currency at the time. The shortage almost caused China's economy to fall but it was saved when paper money was introduced in 1853(1). These examples are just a few of many on how China was forever changed by the opium wars and the unequal treaties.
The nation would go on to struggle with their newly adopted capitalist economy however overtime it has proved to be the right choice(1). When China signed the unequal treaties they agreed to open more foreign trade ports this lead to a huge increase of trade. The increase in trade caused shortages of copper which was used as the Chinese currency at the time. The shortage almost caused China's economy to fall but it was saved when paper money was introduced in 1853(1). These examples are just a few of many on how China was forever changed by the opium wars and the unequal treaties.