Unequal Treaties

Definition

Unequal treaties refer to agreements forced upon China by foreign powers during the era of imperialism. These treaties heavily favored the interests of Western countries at the expense of Chinese sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Related terms

Opium Wars: A series of conflicts between China and Britain caused by British attempts to increase their opium trade with China.

Treaty ports: Specific coastal cities in China that were opened for foreign trade according to unequal treaties.

Boxer Rebellion: A violent uprising in early 20th-century China against foreign influence and Christian missionaries.