British Industrialization's Impact on China and Russia

The Global Ripple Effect of British Industrialization

British Industrialization profoundly affected various parts and countries of the world. This analysis focuses on two distinct situations where Britain's industrial growth impacted China and Russia.

At the time, China was governed by an emperor, while Russia's society was governed by a Tsar (king) and nobles who held power over the serfs.

China: Trade Imbalance and the Opium Wars

Before industrialization, China possessed products that Britain highly desired, such as tea. Britain sought to offer something in exchange for this valuable commodity. China primarily wanted silver, but Britain did not want to give them the large amount of silver they were asking for. Consequently, Britain decided to trade illegal opium instead.

During this period, opium was the most potent drug available, known for causing strong hallucinations. Contrary to the beliefs of many, the Chinese Emperor figured out that an illegal substance was entering the country. He therefore obligated the military to destroy the merchandise.

Across the ocean, Britain discovered that China was destroying the opium. This led to a war that China ultimately lost due to Britain’s industrial superiority, particularly their advanced weaponry. China suffered unfavorable trade conditions and a loss of control.

Russia: The Necessity of Industrial Reform

Russia, the other country that suffered consequences from global industrialization, operated under an agricultural system where Russian peasants worked as serfs. They were responsible for taking care of forests, livestock, and agriculture.

When two of the most industrialized countries of the century entered into a war against Russia, Russia felt the same pressure China did, stemming from the industrial superiority of their enemies. Russia realized that they also had to industrialize if the entire country was to develop.

The Challenge of Freeing the Serfs

However, industrialization required labor. Nobles had to free the serfs to allow them to work in factories in exchange for a salary; otherwise, industrial growth would be impossible. The nobles did not agree with the idea of freeing them.

The nobles eventually decided to sell their lands to the serfs, but they demanded quantities of money the serfs did not possess. The serfs' only viable option was to go work in the factories.

The problem arose when the nobles realized there were not enough people left working for them on the land. They blamed the Tsar for the idea to industrialize. This conflict, stemming from the nobles' anger with the Tsar, contributed to the social instability that eventually fueled the Communist Revolution.

Conclusion: Diverse Global Impacts

In conclusion, many parts of the world were affected by the changes originating in Britain. While China and Russia may not represent the most important cases globally, they illustrate different types of consequences:

• China: War, unfavorable trade, and loss of control.
• Russia: The obligation to industrialize, leading to a fundamental change in the social system which marked the end of serfdom (a feudal labor system).