The Emperor’s Decree to the Outer Barbarians
#1.
The Emperor’s Decree to the Outer Barbarians and Letter to the English Ruler are both sent from Qing Dynasty to Great Britain. The emperor’s Decree to the Outer Barbarians was written to Britain during the flourishing period of Qing Dynasty. The emperor sent a decree to Britain as a respond to requests of Britain on trade regulations. On contrary, Letter to the English Ruler, written before Opium War occurs, includes “warnings” of Qing Dynasty to Britain to no longer harm their people with toxic opium. Even though both letters were written by Qing Dynasty to Britain, intentions of two letters differ in consideration of different time beings; the status of the empire had changed. Believing the empire to be the center of the world, Qing dynasty considers the rest of the world as subordinates and this attitude is displayed through the tone of language in the letters.
Qing dynasty had special products western civilizations wanted: tea and silk, and such products attracted westerners into the country. Qing dynasty was so cautious about bringing in western culture that the emperor had set very strict regulations such as designated trade region and residual regions for westerners who were not allowed to return to their countries. Britain sends an Ambassador with special requests to the emperor to make exceptions; the requests were in intention to make the trading environment more conveniently. Such requests were additional regions for trade and storing, reduced tariffs and restrictions over movements among westerners, and loosened boundaries between Chinese and westerners, including religion. The emperor wrote a decree to “enlighten” the King of Britain why all the favors asked have to be rejected. The letter well conveys the commanding attitude of the emperor, for example, “It behoves you, O King, to respect … hereafter (108).” Additionally, in refusing every request made by Britain, the emperor make it sound as if he is doing a favor for Britain and his
The Emperor’s Decree to the Outer Barbarians and Letter to the English Ruler are both sent from Qing Dynasty to Great Britain. The emperor’s Decree to the Outer Barbarians was written to Britain during the flourishing period of Qing Dynasty. The emperor sent a decree to Britain as a respond to requests of Britain on trade regulations. On contrary, Letter to the English Ruler, written before Opium War occurs, includes “warnings” of Qing Dynasty to Britain to no longer harm their people with toxic opium. Even though both letters were written by Qing Dynasty to Britain, intentions of two letters differ in consideration of different time beings; the status of the empire had changed. Believing the empire to be the center of the world, Qing dynasty considers the rest of the world as subordinates and this attitude is displayed through the tone of language in the letters.
Qing dynasty had special products western civilizations wanted: tea and silk, and such products attracted westerners into the country. Qing dynasty was so cautious about bringing in western culture that the emperor had set very strict regulations such as designated trade region and residual regions for westerners who were not allowed to return to their countries. Britain sends an Ambassador with special requests to the emperor to make exceptions; the requests were in intention to make the trading environment more conveniently. Such requests were additional regions for trade and storing, reduced tariffs and restrictions over movements among westerners, and loosened boundaries between Chinese and westerners, including religion. The emperor wrote a decree to “enlighten” the King of Britain why all the favors asked have to be rejected. The letter well conveys the commanding attitude of the emperor, for example, “It behoves you, O King, to respect … hereafter (108).” Additionally, in refusing every request made by Britain, the emperor make it sound as if he is doing a favor for Britain and his