Examples Of Imperialism In China

Imperialism is the imposition of one way of life on another. One example of this occurred in China, where Britain, one of the world superpowers at the time, traded the addictive drug opium with the Chinese people. When China requested that they halt the trade, Britain refused and the Opium War ignited. Another example of imperialism took place in the Middle East where western powers, namely Russia and Britain, took control of Persian oil fields. Finally, the third example of imperialism took place in Central America countries of Panama and Colombia, when the the United States backed a revolt against the Colombian government in order to gain control of Panama so that they could build a canal linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. One example of imperialism occurred in China when Britain began to trade opium, a highly addictive drug made from poppy seeds. Use of the drug became a problem in China when citizens were spending the majority of their income on the drug to fuel their addiction. China tried to minimize the spread of opium by outlawing opium and executing the drug dealers. They called upon Britain to cease the trade, but Britain refused claiming it was their right due to free trade. Furious, the Qing Dynasty, who ruled of China …show more content…
The first example is imperialism because Britain, who was supplying China with opium, continued to trade even after the Chinese government requested that they stop, thereby forcing their will upon the Chinese citizens. The second example also shows imperialism because the British and the Russians took control of Persian oil, thrusting their agenda upon the Persians by demanding concessions and using military to protect their interests. Finally, the third example shows imperialism because the United States intervened and forced their agenda on the Colombians and the Panamanians, to gain control of Panama in order to build a