Question

Based on his letter, what is most likely Emperor Qian Long's opinion of King George III? Options: a) He thinks of King George III as a powerful ruler over a vast dominion. b) He thinks King George III has superior imperialistic powers and fears making him angry. c) He views himself as equal to King George III, because emperor and king are basically the same position. d) He views himself as superior to King George III, since China is a vast kingdom and Britain is a small island.

Answer 1

Emperor Qian Long considered himself superior to King George III, asserting China's self-sufficiency and denying Britain's requests for diplomatic equality and a permanent embassy in China. Option d.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on Emperor Qian Long's letter, it is most likely that he views himself as superior to King George III. Emperor Qian Long's opinion of King George III is derived from a context of significant military expansion, the consolidation of vast territories such as Taiwan, Mongolia, Tibet, and Xinjiang into the Chinese empire, and a strong adherence to Confucian principles and the traditional tribute system that positioned China as the 'Middle Kingdom' at the center of the world order.

This self-perception of superiority is further evidenced by Qian Long's demand for the British envoy to perform the traditional kowtow, a sign of subservience, and his clear statement that he only accepted the British monarch as a vassal, denying requests for a British embassy and asserting that China lacked nothing that Britain could offer.

Answer 2

Emperor Qian Long most likely views himself as superior to King George III.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the information provided, Emperor Qian Long's opinion of King George III would most likely be that he views himself as superior to King George III, since China is a vast kingdom and Britain is a small island.