Introduction. On 1 July 1997 sovereignty over the British colony of Hong Kong will be formally transferred to the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
What is the history of Hong Kong and China?
Hong Kong was ceded by China after its loss to Great Britain during the Opium Wars, which lasted from 1839 to 1860. In 1997, Britain returned Hong Kong to China as a Special Administrative Region.
How long did China own Hong Kong?
Hong Kong was transferred to China on 1 July 1997, after 156 years of British rule.
How did Hong Kong become part of China?
The First Opium War which ensued lasted from 1839 to 1842. Britain occupied the island of Hong Kong on 25 January 1841 and used it as a military staging point. China was defeated and was forced to cede Hong Kong in the Treaty of Nanking signed on 29 August 1842. The island became a Crown Colony of the British Empire.
Why did Britain give back Hong Kong?
The treaty of Nanking in 1842 ceded Hong Kong to the British. Their big ships and military might meant China had little choice at the end of the first opium war. It was given to them in perpetuity. It was this, the New Territories, that in 1898 the British pledged to give back in 1997.
Who built Hong Kong?
Hong Kong first came under Chinese rule during the Qin Dynasty in the third century B.C., and it remained a part of the Chinese Empire for about 2,000 years.
Is Hong Kong connected to China?
Hong Kong and its 260 territorial islands and peninsulas are located at the mouth of the Pearl River Delta. The area of Hong Kong is distinct from Mainland China, but is considered part of “Greater China”. Hong Kong Island is separated from Kowloon by Victoria Harbour, a natural landform harbour.
Why did Hong Kong become part of China?
Hong Kong was a British colony from 1842 to 1997 because China lost the Second Opium War . After the Handover, Hong Kong became a part of China.
Was Hong Kong always part of China?
1997 was when Hong Kong went back to being governed by China for the first time in 150 years. Hong Kong is now considered a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. So yes, technically Hong Kong is part of China.
Why was Hong Kong important to Britain?
Control of Hong Kong Island gave the British Empire better access to Chinese trade. Eager for even more, it renewed fighting with China in 1856 and sparked the Second Opium War (which the French Empire also joined). Why is Hong Kong so important?
How long did Britain rule Hong Kong?
As Hong Kong was under British rule for 156 years between 1842 and 1997, it is hardly surprising that British influences continue to feature heavily in its culture. The island was ceded to Britain after the first Opium War ended in August 1842; with the signing of the treaty of Nanking by both Queen Victoria and the Daoguang Emperor.
