Reasons and consequences of China’s closure.

The reasons for the closure of China in the 18th century can be considered the policy of the conservative circles of the Qing Empire (Manchu dynasty), as well as the importunity of the Europeans themselves, who not only traded, but spread Christianity (the Jesuits).

The consequence of the closure of China was its lag behind the leading countries of Europe in the 19th century, in the Qing Empire then the army and navy were at the level of the 17th century, without rifled firearms and steamers, science lagged behind, there were no railways by 1860, although in Europe there were this time a large number were built.

Another consequence was the British policy in the first half of the 19th century to open China, including the supply of opium there in order to pump out silver.