2.2 The Treaty of Nanjing and its consequences

The Treaty of Nanjing marked a turning point in China's relationship with the West. It ended the First Opium War and forced China to make significant concessions to Britain, opening up trade and ceding Hong Kong.

The treaty's impact on Chinese sovereignty was profound. It established the treaty port system, introduced extraterritoriality, and set a precedent for unequal treaties with other Western powers, eroding China's control over its affairs and economy.

The Treaty of Nanjing (1842)

Provisions of Nanjing Treaty

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• China ceded Hong Kong Island to Britain in perpetuity gave Britain control over strategic port
• China opened five treaty ports to British trade and residence allowed British merchants to establish businesses and reside in these cities (Canton, Amoy, Foochow, Ningpo, Shanghai)
• China agreed to pay a large indemnity to Britain
  • 21 million silver dollars for the cost of the war compensated Britain for military expenses
  • 6 million silver dollars for the destroyed opium reimbursed British merchants for confiscated drug
• China granted Britain most-favored-nation status ensured Britain would receive same privileges granted to other foreign powers in future treaties
• China established a fixed tariff on British goods limited China's ability to impose higher duties on British imports

Impact on Chinese sovereignty

• Loss of Hong Kong Island represented a significant blow to China's territorial integrity first time China ceded territory to foreign power
• Opening of treaty ports allowed foreign powers to establish a foothold in China
  • Undermined China's sovereignty over its own territory foreign enclaves not subject to Chinese law
• Extraterritoriality provisions in the treaty compromised China's legal jurisdiction over foreign nationals foreigners not subject to Chinese courts
• Most-favored-nation clause led to similar concessions to other Western powers (France, United States) further eroding China's control over its own affairs

Treaty port system effects

• Treaty ports became centers of foreign trade and investment
  • Facilitated the influx of foreign goods, particularly textiles (cotton cloth), which competed with domestic industries
• Foreign merchants and companies gained significant influence over China's economy
  • Controlled a substantial portion of China's foreign trade (opium, tea, silk)
• Treaty ports contributed to the growth of a new Chinese comprador class
  • Chinese middlemen who facilitated trade between foreign firms and Chinese markets acted as intermediaries and translators
• Economic concessions granted to foreign powers limited China's ability to regulate its own economy could not set tariffs or restrict foreign business activities

Extraterritoriality in China

• Extraterritoriality allowed foreign nationals to be tried under their own country's laws
  • Foreign consular authorities had jurisdiction over legal cases involving their citizens (assault, property disputes)
• Created a system of legal inequality, with foreigners enjoying legal privileges not available to Chinese citizens
  • Foreigners could not be arrested or tried by Chinese authorities
• Undermined the authority of Chinese courts and legal institutions
  • Challenged China's judicial sovereignty within its own borders
• Contributed to the perception of China as a semi-colonial state
  • Unable to fully exercise its legal sovereignty treated as inferior by Western powers