SWT2
WRIT1001: Writing & Rhetoric - Academic Essay
Student ID: 530560898
Before delving into the various explanations for the Opium Wars, it is important to
understand the historical context in which the Opium Wars took place.China, with its millennia of
history and rich cultural traditions, faced external pressures and internal turmoil by the 19th
century (Bizzell & Herzberg, 1990). Concurrently, the global landscape of the 19th century was
undergoing significant shifts, especially with the rise of the British Empire and its expanding
global influence (Roskelly & Jolliffe, 2009).
The Opium Wars, which took place in the mid-19th century, were two military conflicts
between China and the British Empire. The root cause was Britain's ambition to expand its trade
in China, particularly opium, leading to tensions with the Qing dynasty (Roskelly & Jolliffe, 2009).
The wars were marked by strategic and diplomatic intricacies, culminating in China's defeat
(Bizzell & Herzberg, 1990)
The causes and impacts of the Opium Wars remain hotly debated topics in historical circles.
Various scholars and enthusiasts offer differing interpretations, often influenced by their
backgrounds, perspectives, and rhetorical strategies (Roskelly & Jolliffe, 2009).
One unique perspective on the Opium Wars comes from an elder in my family, my uncle.
He often employed analogies and metaphors to convey his views on the conflict. One of his most
striking metaphors was that of a dragon, symbolizing China. In his narrative, the dragon, once
mighty and revered, was subdued and chained by foreign powers, representing the Western
nations (Bizzell & Herzberg, 1990). This metaphor not only encapsulated the power dynamics but
also evoked deep emotions, highlighting China's loss of sovereignty and dignity.
Historically, the Opium Wars have been viewed through two primary lenses: economic
exploitation by the West and a clash between old and new civilizations. The traditional
interpretation often emphasizes the British desire for trade dominance, especially in opium,
portraying China as a victim of Western imperial ambitions (Bizzell & Herzberg, 1990). On the
other hand, the modern perspective delves into the cultural and ideological differences between
the East and West, suggesting that the wars were not just about trade but also about conflicting
worldviews and the challenge of modernity (Roskelly & Jolliffe, 2009). As the 21st century
progresses, global changes, new research, and a deeper understanding of historical conflicts
have led to ever-evolving interpretations of the Opium Wars.
Is there truly an objective narrative of the Opium Wars? Scholars, with their diverse
backgrounds, bring varied interpretations, often employing rhetorical strategies to strengthen
their arguments. Their narratives, whether emphasizing economic motives or cultural clashes,
are imbued with rhetorical
The aim of this article is to explore the myriad interpretations of the Opium Wars and the
rhetorical strategies employed by scholars. As we delve deeper, we'll examine how these
narratives have shaped our understanding of the conflict and its lasting impact on Sino-Western
relations (Roskelly & Jolliffe, 2009).devices to persuade and inform (Bizzell & Herzberg, 1990).
Reference：
Bizzell, P., & Herzberg, B. (Eds.). (1990). The Rhetorical tradition: Readings from classical times to
the present. Bedford Books of St. Martin's Press.
Roskelly, H., & Jolliffe, D. (2009). Everyday Use: Rhetoric at work in reading and writing. Pearson.