Why did Chinese officials consider European traders to be smugglers?
(1 point)
Responses
Chinese officials were wary of all foreigners.
Chinese officials were wary of all foreigners.
European traders brought forbidden items into China.
European traders brought forbidden items into China.
European traders entered China without permission.
European traders entered China without permission.
European traders refused to pay tribute.
All of the responses are correct.
Chinese officials considered European traders to be smugglers because they brought forbidden items into China, entered China without permission, and refused to pay tribute. They were also wary of all foreigners in general.
only one
If I have to choose one response, it would be:
European traders brought forbidden items into China.
The correct answer is: European traders brought forbidden items into China.
To arrive at this answer, we need to understand the historical context of China's relations with European traders during that time. Chinese officials considered European traders to be smugglers because they were bringing forbidden items into China. During this period, China had strict regulations and restrictions on trade with foreign countries. The Chinese government heavily controlled and limited foreign trade activities, only allowing them through designated ports and under specific conditions.
European traders, particularly during the period known as the "Canton System" in the 18th and 19th centuries, sought to bypass these regulations by engaging in illegal trade. They tried to bring forbidden items such as opium, which was prohibited by Chinese authorities, into China. This illicit trade caused significant social and economic problems within China, leading to tensions and conflicts between Chinese officials and European traders.
Therefore, Chinese officials considered European traders as smugglers because they were violating Chinese trade regulations and bringing forbidden goods into the country.