Explain what you think the author is saying, and disscus why the ideas found in

Question

Explain what you think the author is saying, and disscus why the ideas found in the quotation might be historicaly important or interesting.

The Qianlong Emperor said -

"our Celestial Empire possesses all things in prolific abundance and lacks no product within its own borders. There was therefore no need to import the manufactures of outside barbarians in exchange for our own produce. But as the tea, silk and porcelain which the Celestial Empire produces, are absolute necessities to European nations and to yourselves, we have permitted, as a signal mark of favour, that foreign hongs [merchant firms] should be established at Canton, so that your wants might be supplied and your country thus participate in our beneficence."

Explanation / Answer

Most of the Eastern Empires were very rich and advanced in their civilisation while most part of the West was still learning to be civilized. Most of the eastern empires were self-sufficient and had enough resources. People were content and living in peace most of the time. It was the Europeans who were out of resources wanted to come to the East looking for resources in the name of trade. Almost all the Eastern Empires were civilised, so they agreed to take them as traders in their countries but the Europeans exploited people and resources with their divide and rule policy thus enslaving and colonizing countries. Another important thing about this quote is that the emperor is opening doors for international business thus showing openness to others and the change that are taking place.

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