Emily Loeb

Mr.Martin/ Mrs.Bennett
Humanities 2
21 February 2016
Europe and its Persisting Negative Influence
Many situations in history can be compared to situations in our everyday life. For example, the
growing power of Europe and its effect on the nations of Russia and China. Europe was like a
con artist; sneaky, greedy, always looking for an opportunity to make a deal. It struck when its
target was at the weakest, or distracted. Preoccupied by internal affairs, both Russia and China
did not see the power that Europe had accumulated until it was too late. They both became
desperate for help, as conflict with Europe made them lose so much. It affected not only their
global position in the present, but as well as their position in the future. What couldve been if
China, or Russia, had remained a great empire? Questions we will never know the answer toobecause of Europes want for money and power. Europe prevented the growth and development
of surrounding countries from 1750-1914 for the purpose of benefitting the own economies.
One of the many countries that Europe affected was China. China was going through a
period of internal conflict. It had a large population, but lacked the resources to properly sustain
it. Seeking resources, China was drawn into trade with Europe by their willingness to import
goods to their country. But after a period of peaceful trade, Europe then decided that the
economic relationship they had with China wasnt enough. They soon entered a series of wars
with China that led to Europe gaining more trading ports in China. The people of China were
unhappy with the deal, but the fragile government felt they couldnt do anything about it. Thus
China was stuck in an unhappy business deal with Europe. If Europe had not manipulated the

desperate leaders of China into a bad business transaction, China may have been as marketoriented as the leading areas In Western Europe, with similarly good institutions, but because of
Europe China feel into a deeper pit of struggle (Shiue 1190). This is also proven by the fact that
before China entered its period of self-conflict, markets in China were comparable to most of
those in Western Europe (Shiue 1190).
In addition, Europe also sank its claws into the Ottoman Empire, much like the way it did
to China. The Ottomans were also experiencing inner turmoil at this time; many of its overtaken
countries were breaking free of its hold ad becoming independent. The central government was
already busy just trying to keep its nation together, as they were trying to suppress a revolt by
the governor of Egypt (Kasaba 217). They were in no position to be taken advantage of by
Europe. After a long period of conflict with Europe, the ottomans were forced to sign a treaty
that gave a large advantage to Britain. The treaty was negotiated and signed during what could
be described as a difficult time for the Ottomans (Kasaba 217). This increased the hardship of
the Ottomans, as they now had not only internal conflicts, but were being taken advantage of by
foreign peoples. Yet another example of the cruel nature of Europeans.
In conclusion, Europes need for wealth and power led it to drain resources from two of
the (previously) most powerful countries in the world, which then led to the decline of these
societies. Although Europes advances could be seen as connecting the world through global
commerce, doing so at the expense of these nations only leads to struggle and disconnect. It
needs to be made aware to scholars that the massive inflation of Europe was due to their parasitic
practices, and that history should not be written to support this monstrous conduct.