An ominous sense of inevitability hovered over Canton in the last days of 1839; war between the Chinese and the British was expected, for both sides had long felt the tensions arising from increased contact between an ever-expanding commercial system and a stagnant culture. The Opium War of 1840-1842 inaugurated China's modern century of humiliation. This book places it in historical perspective and also details the day-to-day crises that led up to the hostilities.

The Canton trade for almost a century had been the sole regulated channel between China and the Western world; as such, it had become the focus of many conflicts. Mr. Chang examines the development of this trading system and the British trade in China--a trade so valuable to the British that it was worth a war. He shows us the motives and tactics behind events in the crucial days of 1839, through Chinese and English eye-witness accounts, newspaper reports, official correspondence, private papers, British and American company records, and many newly available documents. He throws light on factors contributing to the conflict, such as the controversy over extra-territoriality, Britain's struggle for diplomatic equality in China, life in the foreign community confined at Canton, and the surrender and destruction of some 20,000 chests of British opium.

Mr. Chang is especially interested in assessing the role of Imperial Commissioner Lin Tse-hsu, giving a clear, fresh look into the character, motives, and actions of this brilliant man who was sent by the emperor to stamp out the opium trade, and then callously made a scapegoat for all of China's woes with Britain.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

In 2002, World of Books Group was founded on an ethos to do good, protect the planet and support charities by enabling more goods to be reused. Since then, we've grown into to a global company pioneering the circular economy. Today, we drive the circular economy through three re-commerce brands: - Wob: Through Wob, we sell. We provide affordable, preloved books and media to customers all over the world. A book leaves our collection of over seven million titles and begins a new chapter every two seconds, enabling more goods to be reused. - Ziffit: Through Ziffit, we buy. We give people around the world the opportunity to contribute to the circular economy, earn money and protect the planet, by trading their unwanted books and media. - Shopiago: Through Shopiago, we help others. By sharing the technology that has grown World of Books Group into the business it is today, we?re helping charities increase revenue and reduce waste through re-commerce.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

World of Books Ltd
Mulberry House, Woods Way Trading Estate, Goring-By-Sea, BN12 4QY, United Kingdom

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

WorldofBooks.com fully embraces the AbeBooks terms and conditions and we will do
what we can to resolve any issues.

Shipping Terms

Orders ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Order quantity	7 to 12 business days	5 to 9 business days
First item	US$ 7.56	US$ 16.20

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.