Opium - means to an end?

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

The lecture yesterday on the Opium Wars reminded me of a discussion with my students about this topic earlier this year. While analyzing primary source documents, we discussed whether or not Britain considered the negative impact of opium on the social, economical, and cultural life of the Chinese people. In other words, was this a calculated act on the part of Britain to gain control of the Chinese economy, or were they simply trying to establish a balance of trade without taking into account the negative impact of opium on the Chinese. This boils down to the old question of whether the end justifies the means, your thoughts??

There are many examples in history of economical factors taking priority over social and cultural factors, but I insist that students consider these factors to better understand cause and effect. And, hopefully they will develop a greater sense of empathy in becoming responsible global citizens.

Valerie

[Anonymous]

The opium trade issue in China reminds me of the Iran - Contra affair. Back then, members of the United States government sold arms to Iranian moderates and used some of the profits to fund the Contra rebels in Nicaragua. The Contras caused a lot of bloodshed among the civilians of Nicaragua and selling arms to Iran really amounted to selling arms to an enemy. In the final analysis the arms were used to buy back hostages. What characterizes these deals is that the individuals who are involved in these schemes accomplish delicate political manipulations while at the same time profiting financially and personally.
The CIA sold heroin in the United States to fund covert operations in Vietnam. It is the double incentive of political and personal gain which seems to motivate people like Oliver North to disregard the harm that they are creating to average people.
Just today the BBC reported on 23 billion dollars that were syphoned out of Iraq. Instead of purchasing high grade weapons designed for local security in Iran, politicians were purchasing cheap and obsolete Eastern European war-materials and pocketing the difference. Again the result of their callous action has been a less stable Iraq and thousands of civilian casualties.
I can see how people get drawn into these schemes. But is very sad and there is no justification for it.[Edit by="agreber on Jun 10, 6:01:32 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

I am enjoying this discussion. However, it really does seem to be a historians point of view. There is a certain amount of luxury in being a historian because we can sit back and pick things apart, analyze and the such, explore all the gray areas. I agree with the original poster that it's important to consider all sides to really do this in order to be "a responsible global citizen". One of the discussions I love to have with students is human nature, are we responsible or do we just act on impulse, as individuals and/ or as societies?

[Anonymous]

My view is that Great Britain opened up China to trade much like one "shuks" an oyster. China clearly stated that they had no desire for English goods. They also expressed their anger over the importation of opium to their country once via a letter and another time through the dumping of opium in the harbor. I dont think the ends justify the means. Sometimes historian get caught up in the "gray area" so much that everything turns grey. At some point in our history classes we must address human responsibility and empathy for others. The British (queen, leaders, and sailors) knew the effect this drug has on the Chinese, how could they not? Yet, in an effort to make money,pay rent (?), expand an empire, etc a large portion of the Chinese were drugged. I would find it really hard to brush that off to my students as "ends justifying the means"

[Anonymous]

No matter how good the end is, if the means were immoral and hurt people; the end does not justify the means. However, I think that it's God's way of allowing there to be a silver lining when unjust means bring about a good ending. One could say it's the Universe resestablishing order and reminding us that there is always something to be thankful for in the end.

Again, I am not justifying any wrong action. History has so many injustices, we just have to hold on to what is good to keep us going through life. Otherwise, everyone would be crazy.

Just my opinion.

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