The History of European Merchants in China

The history of the world is jointly purchased through its sophisticated cultural and commercial networks. Throughout history, humans have played different roles in society Human activities have always maintained the vitality of history and have written contemporary stories. As early as the 16th century, the ancient nation became the center of the world trade system, and this country attracted the world to see the cultural and economic advantages. European countries such as the Netherlands, the UK and France have visited the Ming and Qing Dynasties many times, but trade has always been their main goal, but the processes and strategies in the process have changed.

In the 15th century, merchants in Europe revitalized the broken trade network and established a new trade network, in particular the ocean network of the Indian Ocean and the China Sea. In search of huge profits, European merchants explored the coast of Africa and eventually found a direct way to Asia. At the same time, Columbus found sponsorship and tried to enter the Americas on the Western route. Europeans seek conversion and wealth in Asia. But they only learned about the recessionality of Asia and Europe.

When the Napoleonic war ended in 1815, world trade increased rapidly, and since China's vast population provided infinite markets for European goods, merchant trade in China and Europe It expanded in the early 19th century. However, the increase in trade brought about an increase in hostility between the European government and the Qing regime. In 1793, the Qing regime officially declared that China is useless for products made in Europe. Later, a major Chinese businessman accepted only the silver bar as payment for the item. Only European companies supply limited silver to China to meet the huge demand for Chinese products such as European silk, tea and pottery. By the end of the 1930 's, the British and French governments were deeply concerned about their precious metal inventory and sought alternative trade plans with China - the most important being opiate addiction to China.