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First Opium War (1839-1842)
As a result of British greed and desire to access Chinese goods, China and Britain became deadlocked in the First Opium War in 1839. Relations between China and Britain deterioated when China refused to allow British ships access to Chinese trading ports and goods such as tea and porcelain. In order to combat China's isolationism, Britain created a Chinese dependency on British Opium, which is essentially heroin. Hong Kong was used as a British naval base until the Treaty of Nanking. -
Treaty of Nanking (1843)
This is a key part of Hong Kong's history. The Treaty of Nanking essentially sealed a British Victory. The terms of the treaty are largely unequal because the British received access to Chinese trading ports, reparations for war damages, and China ceded Hong Kong as well whereas the British had to give nothing in return. This marks the beginning of Hong Kong's history as a British Colony. -
Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese Established
As a result of British rule, Hong Kong gained the benefit of western medicine. The Hong Kong College of Medicine was the first medical institute in Hong Kong to accept Western medical practices. Sun Yat-sen, notable revolutionary and founder of the Republic of China, also studied here. -
Second Convention of Peking
At the end of the Sino-Japanese war, Britain took advantage of a weakened Chinese government. Yet another lease and unequal treaty was signed between Qing China and the United Kingdom during this convention. The convention outlined that the "New Territories", Kowloon and other surrounding land areas, were leased free to the United Kingdom for 99 years. The British Hong Kong Colony has grown even bigger. -
Republic of China Established
In 1912 China experienced the Xinhai revolution which resulted in the Government shifting from imperial rule to republic rule. The Qing monarchy was overthrown and Sun Yat-Sen was elected by the Nanjing assembly. At this time, the rift between the Hong Kong and China began to grow wider. As a colony of the British, Hong Kong would remain a monarchy loyal to the crown while China began to shift towards republicanism and communism. Such is the beginning of "one country two systems". -
Japanese Occupy Hong Kong
In 1941, the beginning of world war II, axis Japan made a move towards Hong Kong and began their assault. A weak force comprised of British, Indian, and Canadian forces were easily overwhelmed and eventually surrenedered at the Japanese headquarters. Hong Kong's government was quickly shifted over to a militarial rule with stringent restrictions and regulations under General Rensuke Isogai. Japan would rule Hong Kong until their surrender at the end of world war II in 1945. -
End of Japanese Occupation
Following the end of World War II and Japan's surrender, Hong Kong's future was unsure. Prior to Japan's surrender, US President Franklin Roosevelt expressed his distate for British rule over Hong Kong and even promised Soon May-ling that he would make sure Hong Kong would be once again under her rule. However, this hope was ended on August 30, 1945 when Hong Kong was once again turned over to the Royal Navy. Hong Kong continues as a British colony, still separate from China. -
Hong Kong 1967 Leftist Riots
During the 60's, Hong Kong citizens became incresingly disatisfied with British Rule. Living and working conditions were extremely poor, and all these issues came to a head with the 1967 riots. These riots were a battle between pro-communist leftists and the establishment. In the end 52 people were killed, 802 injured, and 1936 were imprisoned. The Cultural revultion was also taking place in China at this time and it is likely that pro-communist citizens saw this as an influence. -
Sino-British Joint Declaration
This agreement between Margaret Thatcher of the U.K. and Zhao Ziyang of The People's Republic of China was the official beginning of "One Country Two Systems". Rule over Hong Kong was to be fully handed over to China in 1997 provided that Communism could not be practiced in Hong Kong. Hong Kong's previous governmental system and capitalism were also to remain in place until 2047. Hong Kong has continued to move toward Democracy even though sovereign China remains Communist. -
Umbrella Revolts
The current revolts in China are generally staged as massive sit-in protests against the proposed electoral reforms. Since Hong Kong has had a history of it's own politics and governments such is the form of "One Country Two Systems". In a sense, China's communist thrust is attempting to break through democratic boundaries set up over 100 year period. Naturally, the citizens have become used to some democratic freedoms and Communism seems unpalatable.
