What did European powers want to accomplish by intervening in China?

(1 point)
Responses

to stop the sale of opium

to stop the sale of opium

to open Chinese ports to trade

to open Chinese ports to trade

to set up mines to get access to raw materials

to set up mines to get access to raw materials

to convert the Chinese to Christianity

1 answer

European powers primarily wanted to open Chinese ports to trade. This was driven by the desire for access to Chinese markets, resources, and the profitable trade in commodities such as silk, tea, and porcelain. The Opium Wars, for example, were largely about ensuring British trade in opium could continue and expanding trade privileges in China. While there were other motives like missionary work and resource extraction, the central goal of the intervening powers was to establish and expand trade relations.