China’s power was especially weakened after the Opium Wars with Great Britain, the aftermath of which resulted in British control of Hong Kong and several unfair treaties. China, in its weakened state, soon became known as the “sick man of Asia” and several Eurasian countries, including France, Germany, Russia, and Japan, took advantage of this opportunity to increase their own power. These countries soon established settlements and spheres of influence within China, allowing them to possess certain rights and privileges within their region. It wasn’t long before China’s Imperial Court had lost the majority of its power to foreign influence. This newfound power allowed foreign countries to essentially control all Chinese trade; a reality that made foreigners wealthy, but deeply worried
China’s power was especially weakened after the Opium Wars with Great Britain, the aftermath of which resulted in British control of Hong Kong and several unfair treaties. China, in its weakened state, soon became known as the “sick man of Asia” and several Eurasian countries, including France, Germany, Russia, and Japan, took advantage of this opportunity to increase their own power. These countries soon established settlements and spheres of influence within China, allowing them to possess certain rights and privileges within their region. It wasn’t long before China’s Imperial Court had lost the majority of its power to foreign influence. This newfound power allowed foreign countries to essentially control all Chinese trade; a reality that made foreigners wealthy, but deeply worried