Summary of James Bradley's The China Mirage

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book.

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#1 The Chinese were known to be very stingy with their knowledge and goods, so the British began importing enormous quantities of Chinese tea to satisfy and stimulate its new factory worker class. The constant importation of Chinese tea drained the coffers of many European nations.

#2 The Chinese had a very strict system of trade with foreign nations, and it was difficult for the British to comply with. In 1793, King George III of England sent emissaries to Beijing with impertinent demands. The emperor refused to cede a piece of land or allow peer-to-peer diplomatic relations.

#3 The British were also involved in the opium trade, and they would often bribe Chinese officials to make it possible. The Chinese emperor had outlawed opium, but the British were able to exploit coves and islands along China’s rocky coast to open up more areas for their illegal trade.

#4 The first successful American round-trip trade voyage to China was conducted by Robert Morris in 1784. Morris sold Chinese tea in America, and the proceeds were used to buy Turkish opium and sell it back to the Chinese. This generated a huge profit for the American sea merchants.

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