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1617 NHD Process Paper
1617 NHD Process Paper
My topic also excites me because of its adherence to the annual theme. Lin’s
attempt to enact strong measures in Canton is a stand against foreign trade and opium.
However, in a broader context, Lin's actions also embodies Qing's stand against
western aggressions, a stand for national prestige, but also arguably a stand against
free trade, open borders, and integration in the future.
From the beginning, my sources of research divided into two major categories:
English or Chinese. I started with basic, secondary information and then dived deeper to
primary sources. In Chinese, I read through Lin’s memorials, letters, diaries, and in
English, I visited the writings of foreign merchants or Captain Charles Elliot. The text of
the Treaty of Nanjing, existing in both languages, turned out helpful as well. I also
thought that it was crucial to analyze photographs or paintings that reflected the
occurring events. Research articles and scholarly papers in Chinese and English gave
me some insight into my own analysis of this topic, allowing me to draw conclusions
from the research.
I was surprised at the discrepancy between eastern and western sources and the
changes in my perceptions. I found Lin to be too aggressive, only partially successful.
Some of his actions, though grounded in honorable intentions, seemed arbitrary or even
unjust.