China Meets the West

What did the Portuguese trade with China?

Silver, in exchange for silk, porcelain, tea

What were causes of conflict between the Portuguese and Chinese?

Portuguese violated Chinese laws and customs, engaged in piracy, smuggling, and kidnapping/slave trading

What kinds of skills allowed early Jesuits to become members of the emperor's court?

Academic skill - math, map-making, engineering, astronomy

Who did the Jesuits target for conversion to Christianity?

Elite classes such as scholars and court officials

Who were the different sides in the Rites Controversy?

Jesuits vs Pope/Vatican

On what issue did the Jesuits and the Pope disagree?

Whether religious ancestor worship was compatible with Confucian rituals

What was the outcome of the Rites Controversy?

Pope ruled against the Jesuits and declared Chinese rites incompatible with Christianity; Chinese emperor banned Christian missions

What restrictions were placed on foreigners through the Canton trading system?

Foreigners could only live and trade in Guangzhou, in a specific area of the trading district, and could not freely travel in China

Who were the Cohong?

A group of licensed Chinese merchant guilds that acted as middlemen between foreigners and the Chinese government, managing trade and ensuring taxes and rules were followed