Rule Britannia Essay 2

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In the 19th century the British empire was reaching the height of it’s expansion.

Complex international trade brought the empire wealth and influence almost all over the world. Britain of course stood behind the assertion that the countries, which they dominated or ruled were affected positively. The idea was that the British empires influence was civilizing and saving barbarous people from their rudimentary existence. The British empire saw themselves as superior to all other nations.This was in fact not true, as many countries like China were affected in a very negative manner. ! The true goal of the Empire was simply profit for the motherland. The well being

of non British subjects was below the priority of making money. An example of this is found in Britain trade and commerce with China. China exported several products like tea, silk and other types of food that Britain came to as daily necessities without which they could not live. In return, Britain began exporting opium that was grown in India en masse to the Chinese population. This extremely addictive and destructive substance had a very detrimental effect on the people and society in China. This caused Commissioner Lin, a high government official to write a letter to Queen Victoria of England in 1839 abhorring and pointing out the injustices that were being practiced. He lays out a logical argument to the new young Queen, arguing for end of this deadly commodity exchange. ! He starts out the letter with formalities, being respectful to the Queen and her

position, posturing for the rest of the letter. This demonstrates that the Chinese commissioner knew that this issue needed to be approached carefully and with political finesse in hopes that it would be well received and responded to. He characterizes the

Rule Britannia Essay 2

Chinese emperor as having a benevolent towards all of mankind and that “if a source of profit exists anywhere, diffuses it over the whole world---who, if a source of profit exists anywhere, plucks it up for the benefit of all nations” (Lin, 1). While this is certainly a biased view of the Emperor, this works to juxtapose against how the Queen of England was allowing her merchants to have such a horrible effect on China. He then brings up the point that to an extent the British empire had become wealthy and successful due to the trading relationship between them and China. Britain not only became a large daily consumer of Chinese products like tea, rhubarb and sugar, but they further profited by exporting the Chinese products to others countries for three times the prices. Since the Chinese emperor is supportive of spreading around products for mankind’s benefit, they are ok with Britain using their products this way. However after pointing out that Britain would not be able to function the way they do without the goodness of the Chinese, Commissioner Lin states that these benefits will only continue if Britain ceases the import of opium in the mainland China. It is clear that Britain is interested in the profit of England over all their other colonies and possessions even though they do not admit it. They take advantage of the countries they control to enhance their homeland. ! The next tactic that Commissioner Lin takes is to try and put Queen Victoria into

their shoes as governing officials. He asks what she would do if foreigners were intentionally getting her subjects addicted to drugs with no regard for the well-being of humanity. He references the golden rule of treating others how you yourself would like to be treated. His tone is reasonable and logical, which is a noble response to a state that is being unreasonable.

Rule Britannia Essay 2

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The Chinese ruler decided to make the possession, distribution and use of opium

an offense punishable by death. Opium was also illegal in Britain, which furthers the irony of the trade situation. Since all the opium in China was grown in India and imported by British merchants, the death penalty also applies to the English suppliers of the opium. As was to be expected, the announcement of China’s new anti-opium statute was met with resistance by the white British officials stationed in mainland China. They asked the Chinese to delay the implementation of this law for up to 10 months. So even though Britain knows that opium is harmful to mankind, as demonstrated by the laws in the homeland, the selfishly try to and prolong the damage being done to Chinese people in pursuit of profit. With the uncaring example that Britain was setting, it would not come with surprise and reason for the Chinese to just start executing opium dealers in accordance with their new law. Furthermore, the request for an extension of the time before implementation solidifies the point that the British empire was a money making apparatus and China and it’s people were merely revenue units. On the contrary, China does make the decision to begin enforcing the new statute immediately; however, leniency is included. For a period of 18 months from the writing of the letter to Queen Victoria, any merchant who was unaware of the new law and accidentally brought a shipment of opium into China could be absolved of any consequences if they on their own accord come forward and surrender their product to be disposed of by the Chinese. This generous tolerance period demonstrates that China is understanding of the position they are in with the very powerful British empire machine.

Rule Britannia Essay 2

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Britain was a powerful force to be reckoned with at this time in history. They had

strongest navy in the world and the largest formal empire in addition to many other spheres of influence. The Chinese were in a difficult position with Britain trading a product with them that had no positive benefits but caused them to make a lot of money. This situation reveals the true ethnocentric nature of the British empire. While they may have claimed to care about the well-being non-British citizens, this was not demonstrated to be the case. The overarching goal of empire is proven to be simply making money.