European powers had several motivations for intervening in China during the 19th century, particularly around the time of the Opium Wars. The primary objectives included:
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To open Chinese ports to trade: European nations sought to gain access to China's vast market and resources. The Treaty of Nanking (1842) and subsequent treaties established trade ports that allowed for greater European commercial presence.
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To stop the sale of opium: Although the initial intervention stemmed from disputes over British opium trade, the European powers were not unified in their objectives regarding opium. Britain focused on maintaining the opium trade, while China was trying to curtail it.
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To set up mines to gain access to raw materials: As European powers sought to expand their economic influence, they were interested in China's resources, including minerals and other raw materials.
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To convert the Chinese to Christianity: Missionary efforts were part of the broader imperial agenda, although this was often secondary to trade and economic interests.
Overall, while all of these motivations played a role to varying extents, the primary goal of European intervention was largely centered on opening up China to trade and expanding economic interests.