The History of China - #303 - Qing 38: The Macartney Expedition

Episode Date: August 23, 2025

From London’s harbors to Canton’s bustling hongs and the Qianlong Emperor’s Dragon Throne, Lord George Macartney’s 1792-94 mission to Great Qing unveils profound cultural divides, shaping centuries of Sino-Western relations. This series explores a pivotal diplomatic clash that redefined global history. Time Period Covered: 1792-1794 CE Major Historical Figures: Qing Empire: The Qianlong Emperor (Aisin-Gioro Hongli) [r. 1735–1796] Chief Minister Heshen (1750–1799) Wang Wenxiong, mid-level imperial bureaucrat British Empire: Lord George Macartney, ambassador extraordinaire [1737–1806] Sir George Staunton [1737-1801] William Alexander [1767–1816] John Barrow, Comptroller [1764-1848] Sgt. Maj. Samuel Holmes, 11th Lt. Dragoons Major Works Cited: Berg, Maxine. The Birth of the Modern World, 1780–1914: Global Connections and Comparisons. Cranmer-Byng, John. “The Chinese Documents Relating to the Macartney Embassy.” Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, 1961. Gao, Hao. Creating the Opium War: British Imperial Attitudes Toward China, 1792–1840. Hevia, James L. Cherishing Men from Afar: Qing Guest Ritual and the Macartney Embassy of 1793. Holmes, Samuel. Journal of the Macartney Expedition. Macartney, Lord George. Journal of the Macartney Expedition. Peyrefitte, Alain. The Immobile Empire: The First Great Collision of East and West. Knopf, 1992. Qing Archival Records. Tr. in Presents and Tribute: Documents on the Macartney Embassy. Staunton, George. An Authentic Account of an Embassy from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Physically present in Ontario. Eligibility restrictions apply. See Golden Nuggetcassino.com for details. Please play responsibly. Hello and welcome to the history of China. Episode 303, the McCartney Expedition. The scenes and objects which the members of the embassy had an opportunity of observing, left a gratifying and durable impression upon the minds of many of them, beyond all the

events of the former periods of their lives. The vast extent of the Chinese Empire, the richness of its soil, the variety of its productions, the industry of its people, and the order and subordination prevailing among them, could not fail to strike the attention of those who had the opportunity of contemplating them. Sir George Leonard Staunton, in an authentic account of an embassy from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China, 1797. The English barbarians, having come from afar to present tribute, have been graciously received and entertained according to the rights of guest ritual. Their offerings, though curious, are of no practical use to the empire, and their requests for altered trade conditions

are contrary to our established customs. Let them be treated with decorum, but firmly guided to understand the proper order of things. A Qing court memorial recorded in the Qing Veritable Records, or Qing Shilu, dated September 1793. On September 26, 1792, two British ships, the Lion, a 64-gun man-of-war, and the Hindustan, an East India Company vessel, departed from Port Smith, England, bound for Beijing, the capital of the Qing Empire. Leading this expedition was Lord George McCartney, a seasoned diplomat tasked with an ambitious mission.

To negotiate expanded trade access, secure a permanent British embassy in Beijing, and collect detailed information about China's economy, infrastructure, and even military capabilities. This embassy, the first formal British diplomatic mission to China, carried the aspirations of an empire eager to tap into one of the world's wealthiest markets. In order to better understand the motivations and challenges of such an undertaking, let's first explore the global context of the late 18th century. A period very few would contest was full of dynamic, economic, and political upheaval. As of the late 18th century, Great Britain was a rising global power,

propelled by the ongoing industrial revolution. Factories in cities like Manchester and Birmingham produced textiles, iron goods, and machinery, driven by advancements in steam power and manufacturing techniques. The British East India Company, a formidable commercial and political entity in its own right, controlled vast territories across India and dominated trade across Asia. Its wealth and singular influence made it a key player in Britain's imperial ambitions. Yet one market remained seemingly impervious. China.

The Qing Dynasty, under the nearly six-decade reign of the Chinese, Penlong Emperor, was by now one of the most powerful and prosperous states the world had ever yet seen. With a populace topping 300 million compared to Britain's mere 10 million, China already accounted for a significant share of global economic output, likely surpassing the combined GDP of Europe's major powers put together at that time. As historian Maxineberg notes in The Birth of the Modern World, China's exports, particularly tea, silk, and porcelain, were at their high water marks of demands. across Europe. In Britain, tea had become nothing less than a cultural cornerstone, consumed in

households from London all the way to the countryside. This demand for Chinese goods created a significant economic challenge for Britain. The Qing Empire restricted foreign trade to only the port of Canton, which is modern-day Guangzhou, through the Canton system, a tightly regulated legal framework that limited European merchants to but a single trading season and required payment in silver bullion only. This system resulted in a substantial trade deficit for Britain, as it did with many other world powers, as silver flowed out to pay for tea, silk, and porcelain, while China itself showed very little interest in any other British goods.

The East India Company sought to reverse this imbalance by exporting manufactured products, such as wool and textiles, metal tools, and scientific instruments to China. However, the Qing court viewed their empire as self-sufficient, with little need for foreign imports. To address this economic imbalance and expand Britain's presence across Asia, the British government and the East India Company conceived the McCartney Expedition. The mission's objectives, as outlined in instructions from King George III, were threefold. To secure access to additional Chinese ports beyond Canton, to establish a permanent British ambassador in Beijing,

and to promote British goods to reduce the ongoing trade deficit. Additionally, the expedition was tasked with gathering intelligence on China's economy, infrastructure, and military, reflecting Britain's broader interest in understanding and engaging with the Qing Empire and its satellite states. The choice of Lord George McCartney to lead the mission was deliberate. Born in 1737 in Ireland, McCartney was a seasoned diplomat with a distinguished career.

He'd served as an envoy to Russia, negotiating with no less than Empress Catherine the Great, and then served as governor of Granada, where he'd managed colonial administration during a period of conflict. His tenure as the governor of Madras in India further honed his skills in navigating complex political landscapes. McCartney's experience, combined with his reputation for charm and pragmatism, made him an ideal candidate to lead this high-stakes mission. In his journal, preserved in the Cornell University Library's McCartney collection, he articulated the significance of his task. Quote,

This embassy represents an opportunity of unparalleled importance, not only for the commerce of Great Britain, but for the advancement of knowledge and mutual understanding between nations. China's vast resources and population offer immense potential, if we can secure the emperor's favor. And quote. McCartney's words reveal both his optimism, but also his awareness of the challenges that would lay ahead.

However, the Qing Empire operated within a radically different framework than even he had ever seen before. Under the Qianlong Emperor, who had ruled since 1735, Great Qing presided over an empire that spanned modern-day China, Mongolia, Tibet, and far into the Central Asian Interior. Beijing, with a population exceeding that of one million, was a hub of political, cultural, and economic activity, centered both figuratively and literally around the forbidden city, the emperor's residence and seat of power. Foreign states, from Korea to Vietnam, participated in their tributary system, a diplomatic protocol in which envoys offered gifts and performed the kowtow, three kneelings and nine prostrations, to acknowledge the emperor's universal authority.

In return, the Qing granted trade privileges and bestowed imperial gifts, reinforcing their hierarchical worldview. Ching archival records illustrates this perspective. Quote, The Son of Heaven receives tribute from all nations under heaven. Foreign envoys come to offer their respects and are treated with benevolence in accordance with the customs of our dynasty. This excerpt underscores the Qing's confidence in their own system.

To them, foreign missions were not negotiations between equals, but rituals affirming the supremacy of the Son of Heaven. This worldview, rooted in centuries nigh on millennia of tradition, would, of course, shape their reception of McCartney's embassy, which themselves approached diplomacy from a European perspective of at least surface-level sovereign equality. The contrast between these two systems, Britain's Enlightenment and Empire-inspired diplomacy versus the Qing's tributary cosmic framework, set the stage for a profound cultural and diplomatic encounter.

On September 26th, the Lion and the Hindustan set sail from Portsmouth, carrying a delegation of nearly 700 individuals, including diplomats, scientists, artists, and military personnel. The expedition was a microcosm of Britain's ambitions writ large, combining diplomatic objectives with scientific inquiry and cultural observation. George Staunton, McCartney's secretary, served as the mission's chronicler, later publishing an authentic account of an embassy in 1797, which was a detailed record of the journey. William Alexander, a young artist, was tasked with documenting China's landscapes, architecture,

and daily life, producing in time watercolors that would later captivate British audiences. Samuel Holmes, a sergeant major in the 11th Light Dragoons, kept a personal journal, offering a ground-level perspective of the expedition. Other notable members included scientists, botanists, and even musicians, reflecting Britain's emphasis on knowledge and exploration. The ships were laden with gifts intended to impress the Qianlong Emperor and to demonstrate Britain's industrial and scientific prowess. These included a planetarium depicting the solar system,

a Herschel telescope for astronomical observation, Viliami clocks of intricate design, wedgewood pottery, and even a model hot air balloon. As Maxine Berg notes, these gifts were carefully selected to showcase Britain's technological achievements and encouraged the Qing to purchase such British goods. McCartney hoped that by presenting these items,

he could persuade the Emperor to open China's markets to British trade, reducing the reliance on payment in silver. The voyage to China was a formidable undertaking, spanning nearly 10 months and thousands of miles across the open, challenging seas. The lion in Hindustan followed a southern route, stopping at several ports to resupply and conduct observations. The first stop was Madeira,

a Portuguese island known for its wine, where the crew restocked their provisions. From there, they sailed to Rio de Janeiro, arriving in November 1792, where they observed Brazil's colonial economy and natural resources. The Cape of Good Hope, then a Dutch-controlled outpost provided another opportunity for resupply

and repairs. In early 1793, the expedition reached Batavia, modern-day Jakarta, in Java, a key hub for Dutch trade in Southeast Asia, before continuing to Cochinchina, modern-day Vietnam. All these stops were not merely logistical.

As part of Britain's broader mission to gather useful knowledge, the expedition scientists and botanists documented local flora, fauna, and economic systems. McCartney himself took detailed notes, viewing the journey as an opportunity to expand Britain's understanding of global trade and geography. Samuel Holmes, in his journal, captured the physical and emotional toll of the voyage, as well as its moments of wonder.

Quote, The seas have been relentless, with storms that shake the ship and heat that saps our strength. yet the lands we have visited Brazil's towering hills Africa's wild coasts offer sights beyond imagination China lies ahead a realm of wealth and mystery

though I wonder what awaits us there Holmes's journal published in 1797 provides a vivid account of the expedition's challenges storms limited provisions and the risk of disease tested the crew's resilience

but their collective sense of purpose never wavered. McCartney, in his own writings, emphasized the strategic importance of the journey, quote, our voyage is not only to China, but to the expansion of British knowledge and influence. Each port we visit, each observation we record, strengthens our understanding of the world. Yet our greatest challenge lies in Beijing, where we must navigate the Emperor's Court. On June 20, 1793, the expedition arrived at Macau, a Portuguese enclave near Canton, and the primary entry point to Qing-controlled territory. Macau, known today in China as Alman, was a bustling trade hub where European merchants

interacted with Chinese officials and the Hong merchants, who controlled the tea trade under the Canton system. McCartney's first encounter with Qing bureaucracy came here, when officials insisted that the British ships display a flag acknowledging the Emperor's sovereignty. Recognizing the symbolic implications, McCartney instead negotiated a compromise, allowing the expedition to proceed without appearing to submit to Qing authority. This interaction foreshadowed the diplomatic challenges that would come to define the mission. In Macau, McCartney also met with the Hong merchants, who profited from the Canton system's monopoly on foreign trade.

These merchants, operating under strict imperial oversight, were rather skeptical of McCartney's proposals of expanded trade, as they benefited very nicely from the status quo, thank you very much. Lord McCartney recorded his observations of the system's inefficiencies and restrictions, quote, The Canton system confines foreign trade to a single port, with every transaction. action subject to taxes and scrutiny. The Hong merchants hold significant influence, but their interests align with the Emperor's

restrictions. To achieve our objectives, we must appeal directly to the court in Beijing, and quote. McCartney's determination to bypass the Canton system by negotiating with Chen Long directly reflected his understanding of the system's limitations. However, as argued by James Heavier, the Qing's control. over trade was not merely economic, but a manifestation of their broader diplomatic framework, which had long prioritized the maintenance and projection of imperial authority over any kind of

commercial openness or profitability. This framework would shape the expedition's reception as it moved ever closer to the Qing capital. From Macau, the expedition sailed north along China's coasts, arriving at Tianjin in July of 1793. Here, the British transferred from their warships onto Chinese junks, which were better suited for navigating the shallow rivers leading to Beijing. William Alexander, the expedition's artist, began documenting the journey, sketching ports, temples, and scenes of daily life. His watercolors, later published and preserved in the Royal Collection Trust,

offered British audiences their first detailed visual impressions of the Qing Empire. At Tianjin, the expedition was made. met by Qing officials responsible for escorting them to Beijing. Led by Wang Wen Chong, a mid-level bureaucrat, these officials adhered to the Qing's guest ritual, a protocol for receiving foreign envoys described by James Heavya in cherishing men from afar. The guest ritual required visitors to conform to imperial customs, including the kowtow,

a gesture of ritual submission involving three kneelings and nine full prostrations before the emperor seated on his throne. This ritual was cornerstone to the Qing's tributary system, symbolizing the integration of foreign states into the empire's overall hierarchical order. McCartney, however, approached diplomacy from a European perspective, where sovereign states were at least nominally considered equals. When informed of the kowtow requirement,

he proposed an alternative, kneeling on one knee as he would before King George III in order to maintain Britain's dignity. His journal details his reasoning. Quote, To perform the cowtow as demanded would imply that Britain is subordinate to the emperor, which is incompatible with the dignity of my sovereign. I offer a gesture of respect, kneeling as I would before my own king

to honour the emperor without compromising our status. end quote. McCartney's stance sparked diplomatic controversy. The kowtow was a non-negotiable element of Qing protocol, and refusal was seen as a challenge to imperial authority. As Heavya notes, the Qing viewed the ritual as essential to incorporating foreigners into their world order. Yet surprisingly, imperial officials agreed to McCartney's compromise, likely influenced by

Qianlong's personal curiosity about the British, and the oversight of Hachan, the emperor's powerful minister. Hachan, a key figure in the Qing court, was known for his wealth and influence, though Qing records suggest he balanced hospitality with strict adherence to protocol. In August 1793, the expedition reached Beijing, a city of over a million and the beating heart of the empire. The British were housed in a guesthouse near the forbidden city, where they were treated with courtesy, but closely monitored.

William Alexander's sketches captured the city's splendor, palaces with golden roofs, bustling markets, and intricate stone bridges. McCartney noted the Qing's hospitality, but also their emphasis on ritual. Quote, The Qing receive us with great ceremony, providing accommodations of remarkable elegance. Yet their protocols govern every interaction, and we are under constant observation, as if our presence is both an honor and a curiosity." End quote. The kowtow compromise, while a temporary solution, underscored the deep cultural divide between the British and Qing. McCartney's insistence on equality clashed with the Qing's expectation of submission,

creating tension from the outset that would intensify as the expedition prepared to meet Tianlong at the Summer Palace in Zhao Hall. The McCartney expedition was a bold attempt to bridge two distinct worlds. For written, success promised access to China's vast markets, a reduction in the trade deficit, and a stronger presence across Asia. For the Qing, on the other hand, this embassy was just another tributary mission, to be managed through the established rituals of formal protocol. As Hao Gao argues in creating the opium war,

The expedition marked a turning point in British perceptions of China, contributing to attitudes that would later fuel conflicts such as the Opium Wars. Bankmore oncores when you switch to a Scotia Bank banking package. Learn more at scotiabank.com slash banking packages. Conditions apply. Scotia Bank, you're richer than you think. The cultural and diplomatic misunderstandings that emerged in 1793, would have profound consequences for Sino-Western relations.

Their mission now hinges on a series of diplomatic encounters, beginning with an audience at the Summer Palace in Jhaal, where Chen Long holds court. These interactions, marked by ritual, misunderstanding, and competing worldviews, would determine the expedition's success or failure. In 1793, the Qing Empire of Qianlong was at the zenith of its power. The Emperor, now 82 and in his 58th year of rule, presided over an empire of more than 300 million people, stretching from Mongolia to Tibet. The Imperial Court at Beijing was a marvel of organization, employing thousands of officials managing everything from tax collection to diplomatic relations.

Qing archival records reflect this perspective, quote, The Son of Heaven receives envoys from distant lands, who come to offer tribute and pay homage. Through the guest ritual, they are incorporated into the harmony of our empire, and we grant them favor in accordance with our traditions." This worldview shaped the Qing's reception of McCartney's embassy. To the court, the British were just another tributary delegation, expected to conform to long-established protocols. Heshan, a powerful and controversial figure, played a central role in managing the embassy.

As a Chen Long Emperor's favored minister, Hachan wielded significant influence, overseeing the court's interactions with foreigners. Qing records suggest that Hushan balanced hospitality with strict adherence to protocol, ensuring the British were treated as honored guests while maintaining imperial authority. The British, housed in a guest house near the Forbidden City, were impressed by Beijing's grandeur. McCartney, in his journal, noted the city's splendor, but also the constraints imposed by Qing Protocol. call. Quote, Beijing is a city of extraordinary magnificence, with palaces and streets that rival the greatest capitals of Europe. Yet our movements are closely watched, and every interaction is governed by the court's rituals, which we must navigate with care. And quote, as the British prepared to travel to Jeholl, 150 miles northeast of Beijing, for their audience with Qianlong,

the kow issue remained unresolved. The compromise reached in Tianjin, allowing McCartney to kneel on one knee, had satisfied neither side fully. For the Qing, it was a deviation from protocol. For McCartney, it was a necessary assertion of British dignity. This tension, as noted by Hevia, reflected the broader clash between the Qing's hierarchical worldview and Britain's expectation of diplomatic equality. On August 14, McCartney and a select group of his delegation arrived at the summer palace in modern-day Chengda, where Chenlong routinely held court to escape the heat of the summer months. The summer palace was a sprawling complex of pavilions, gardens, and temples, designed to showcase

the empire's wealth and cultural sophistication. William Alexander's sketches, later published, depicted ornate buildings with upturned eaves, serene lakes, and courtiers and silk robes, offering glimpses into the setting of this historic encounter. The audience with the Qianlong Emperor was the expedition's defining moment. McCartney, dressed in a velvet coat with gold embroidery, led his delegation into the imperial presence. Accompanied by George Staunton and other key members, he carried a letter from King George III, outlining Britain's requests, access to additional ports, a permanent embassy in Beijing, and favorable trade terms.

The Chanlong Emperor, seated on a dragon throne, presided over a country, presided over a court of meticulously organized officials. Ching Records described the scene from the court's perspective, quote, The envoy from England, McCartney, presented himself before the son of heaven, bearing a letter from his king. His demeanor was respectful, though his refusal to perform the full kowtow was noted. The emperor received him with benevolence, as is customary for distant tributaries, and quote. McCartney's compromised position, kneeling on one knee, True attention from Chang officials.

While the emperor accepted the gesture, some courtiers viewed it as breach of protocol. The emperor listened politely as McCartney, through translators, presented Britain's requests. However, Qianlong's response, recorded in internal court documents, revealed his perspective. Quote, The barbarians from the western ocean come with curious requests, as if our empire lacks for anything. Their gifts are of interest, but their manners require correction. We shall treat them with kindness, as we do all who pay tribute, and quote. The Emperor's words highlight the Qing's view of the embassy as a tributary mission,

rather than as some negotiation between equals. The Emperor's curiosity about the British did not extend to their trade proposals, which challenged the Qing's self-sufficient worldview. McCartney, unaware of this in. internal response, remained hopeful, believing that the gift exchange would advance his objectives. One of the key central elements of the embassy was the exchange of gifts, a diplomatic ritual ever-laden with symbolic meaning.

The British had brought an array of items to impress the Chanlong Emperor, carefully selected to showcase their industrial and scientific advancements. According to the Royal Collection Trust, these included a planetarium depicting the solar system, a Herschel telescope, Ville Army clocks, Wedgwood pottery, and a model hot air balloon. These were intended to demonstrate the value of British goods and encourage

the Qing to open their markets. McCartney hoped the Emperor would see these items as evidence of Britain's technological superiority. The Qing, in return, offered gifts of their own, including silk tapestries, jade carvings, and porcelain vases.

These items were exquisite examples of Chinese craftsmanship, symbolizing the emperor's eternal benevolence. However, the exchange would reveal a profound misunderstanding as well. Qing records showed that the court meticulously cataloged the British gifts, valuing them as exotic curiosities rather than practical innovations. The planetarium, for instance, was studied by Qing scholars, but seen as an amusement, not a trade catalyst. From a Qing court memorial, quote,

The British envoys presented machines of clever design, including a model of the heavens and instruments for viewing the stars. These are of interest for their novelty, but our own craftsmen produce works of greater refinement, end quote. This perspective underscores the Qing's confidence in their own culture and technology. The British gifts, while impressive, did not align with the Qing priorities. Conversely, McCartney viewed the Chinese gifts as luxurious, but irrelevant to his trade objectives.

In his journal, he expressed mixed feelings about the whole exchange, quote, Our gifts, the finest products of British ingenuity, were received with curiosity, but little enthusiasm. The emperor's offerings, silks and jades, are splendid, yet they do not advance our purpose of establishing trade, end quote. As it would turn out, the gift exchange, which had been intended to bridge the two cultures, instead highlighted their deep division. For the British, the gifts were a commercial pitch. For the Qing, they were tribute affirming imperial authority.

This misunderstanding, as Hao Gao argues, foreshadowed the mission's broader challenges. Following the audience at Jhaal, McCartney pressed for a response to his trade proposals. The Qing court, however, delayed, citing the need for further deliberation. Hashan, overseeing the embassy, maintained a facade of hospitality, while ensuring good compliance with protocol. McCarty's delegation was invited to banquets and tours of the Summer Palace, which William Alexander documented in vivid sketches. These events, while lavish, were carefully orchestrated to reinforce the Qing's authority. By September 1793, Chiang issued two edicts to King George III. These documents, delivered to McCartney, outlined to the Qing's position.

Our celestial empire possesses all things in abundance and lacks no product within its borders. Your strange wares are of no interest to us. As for an ambassador to Beijing, it is contrary to our dynasty's customs. Return to your country and be content with our favor. The edicts were a polite but unequivocal rejection of McCartney's key requests. Tianlong saw no need for expanded trade or a permanent embassy, viewing the British as a distant tributary state. The kow-compromise, while tolerated, had already strained relations. And the Qing's refusal to engage with Britain's trade agenda signaled the mission's failure.

McCartney, in his journal, expressed his disappointment. Quote, the emperor's response, though courteous, dismisses our proposals outright. The Chinese view us as petitioners, not partners. I fear our mission may achieve little, yet we must persevere, end quote. Despite this setback, McCartney sought to salvage the mission through further discussion. However, the Qing court, under the resolute guidance of He Shearn, began preparations to escort the British back to Canton, signaling the end of their diplomatic engagement. As the delegation departed Ja Hall for Beijing in late September, McCartney reflected on this seemingly intractable cultural divide. Quote,

The Chinese Corp is a world apart, governed by rituals we cannot fully comprehend. Our hopes for trade and diplomacy have met an immovable barrier, yet I remain convinced that China's wealth holds great promise for Britain. End quote. The expedition's return to Beijing marked to the beginning of, of its departure from the Qing capital. The British were treated to a curated tour of China's interior, showcasing the Empire's canals, cities, and garrisons. These displays were intended to impress the foreigners

while also reinforcing Qing authority. McCartney's observations during this journey noted the Empire's strengths, but also its reliance on tradition, which he viewed as a potential weakness. The McCartney expedition's failure to achieve its objectives was evident by October of 1793, as the British prepared to leave Beijing. The Qing's rejection of trade concessions and a permanent embassy reflected their confidence in the tributary system and their disinterest in British goods.

For McCartney, the mission was a diplomatic defeat, but it also provided valuable insights into China's governance and culture. George Staunton's unauthentic account, published in 1797, framed the expedition as a noble effort, though it acknowledged the challenges posed by Qing Protocol. For the Qing, the embassy was a success within their framework. The court viewed the British as a properly managed tributary delegation, their gifts catalogued and their presence handled, according to custom.

Chenlong's edicts, while dismissive, were consistent with the Qing's approach to foreign relations overall. Quote, The English envoy has been received with grace and sent away satisfied. The Emperor's dignity is preserved, and the barbarian's curiosities have been noted for his pleasure." End quote. This perspective masked a critical blind spot, the Qing's underestimation of Britain's growing power and the global shifts driven by industrialization. The expedition's failure, as Hao Gao notes in creating the opium war, sowed seeds of frustration in Britain,

shaping attitudes that would lead to later conflicts. It is October 1793, and Lord George McCartney's embassy is preparing to leave Beijing. The British delegation, having failed to secure expanded trade access or a permanent embassy, faces the reality of diplomatic defeat. The Chen Long Emperor's edicts, delivered in September, have firmly rejected their proposals, viewing the British as a distant tributary rather than equal partner. Under the watchful eye of Qing officials, the expedition begins its journey south to Canton, escorted through China's interior in a carefully curated tour.

As they travel, McCartney and his team reflect on their experiences, while the Qing court records the mission as a successful exercise of Imperial Protocol. In early October, McCartney's delegation departed Beijing, escorted by Cheng officials who ensured their compliance with Imperial Protocol. The journey south to Canton, approximately 1,300 miles, was designed to showcase the Qing Empire's wealth, infrastructure, and administrative control. The British traveled by river and road, passing through major cities, canals, and agricultural regions. George Staunton, the expedition secretary, documented a journey in an authentic account of an embassy, published in 1797, describing the Grand Canal, bustling markets, and fortified garrisons.

The Qing's hospitality was meticulous, but strategic. The tour was not merely a courtesy, but a demonstration of imperial power, intended to impress and perhaps even intimidate the British. McCartney noted the empire's organizational prowess, but also its reliance on overly traditional systems. The Chinese Empire is a marvel of order, with canals and cities that surpass many in Europe, Yet their adherence to ancient customs and rigid bureaucracy suggests a resistance to change,

which may prove their weakness." McCartney's observations reflect a growing perception among the British that the Qing, while powerful, or not invincible. He noted the empire's vast population and resources, but also its outdated military technology and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Samuel Holmes, a sergeant major, provided a more person. perspective in his journal, also published in 1797. Quote,

We travel through lands of great beauty, with rivers and fields stretching beyond sight. The Chinese treat us well, but their soldiers carry bows and spears, not muskets. I wonder how such an empire endures in a changing world. And quote. Along the way, they were hosted at banquets and shown imperial gardens, reinforcing the Qing's intended image of benevolence. Qing records indicate that these displays were carefully orchestrated to affirm the emperor's authority. Quote,

The English envoy in his retinue have been shown the grandeur of our empire, from the canals of the south to the palaces of the north. They depart with the emperor's favor, their tribute duly received, and quote. For the Qing, the grand tour, was a final act of the guest ritual, ensuring that the British left with a positive impression of imperial hospituary. For McCartney, however, it was a bittersweet conclusion to a mission that had failed to achieve its primary objectives. As the British reached Canton in December, McCartney and his team grappled with the reality

of their diplomatic failure. The Chen Long Emperor's Edicts, delivered only a few months earlier, had rejected their requests for expanded trade. The British had hoped to bypass the restrictive Canton system, which confined foreign trade to a single port and required payment in service. silver. Instead, they encountered a court confidence in its self-sufficiency and uninterested in British goods. McCartney's journal captures this frustration and lingering hope. The Emperor's edicts leave no room for negotiation. Our proposals for trade and a resident

ambassador have been dismissed as unnecessary. Yet I remain convinced that China's markets hold great promise, if only a future opportunity can be found. And quote. McCartney's reflections reveal a mix of disappointments and pragmatism. He recognized the cultural divide, particularly the Qing's view of the embassy as a tributary mission, but believed that Britain's growing power could eventually open China's markets. Staunton framed the mission as a noble effort, emphasizing the expedition's observations of China's culture and economy. However, other members of the delegation were less optimistic. John Barrow, a comptroller, who later published critical accounts,

expressed skepticism about the Qing's willingness to engage with the wider world. Quote, The Chinese court is bound by tradition, viewing foreigners as inferior. Their refusal to trade on equal terms suggests an empire unaware of the forces shaping the modern world. End quote. Barrow's writings, published years later, reflected a growing British frustration that shaped attitudes leading to the first Opium War. Back in Canton, the British faced the realities of the Canton system once more.

The Hong merchants, who controlled the tea trade, maintained their monopoly and would, going forward. And Qing officials ensured the expedition's swift departure from Imperial waters. On December 19, 1793, the lion and the Hindustan sailed from Macau, beginning their long journey back to England, which they reached in September 1794. From the Qing's perspective, the McCarney expedition had been a success. The court viewed the British as a tributary delegation properly managed through guest ritual. Qing archival records revealed that the court paid close attention to the British gifts, particularly the planetarium, which was studied by imperial scholars.

However, these items were valued more as curiosities than trade goods. A memorial from the court underscores this perspective, quote, the English envoy's gifts, including machines of the heavens and curious instruments, have been examined and recorded. They are of interest for their novelty, but our empire has no need for such things, end quote. The Qing's confidence in their system masked a critical oversight. The court underestimated Britain's industrial and naval power, viewing the expedition as a minor event in a long tradition of tributary missions.

Heihan, the emperor's minister, ensured that the Britishman, British were treated with hospitality, but his focus had ever remained on maintaining imperial protocol rather than actually engaging with any of their proposals. For Britain, the McCartney expedition's failure exposed the limits of its diplomacy with the Qing, fueling frustration that would shape future interactions. As Hao Gao notes, the expedition marked a turning point in British attitudes, portraying China as a stagnant empire, resistant to progress. This perception, amplified by Staunton's unauthentic account and Barrow's later writings,

contributed to a narrative of Qing decline that would shortly come to justify aggressive policies, culminating in the first opium war. McCartney's observations recorded in his journal on the voyage home, hinted at such a shift. Quote, China is a mighty empire, yet its reliance on tradition and disdain for foreign innovation may prove its undoing. Our mission has not succeeded, but it has revealed opportunities for Britain in the future." End quote. For the Qing, the expedition reinforced their insularity. Qianlong's dismissal of British trade proposals reflected a belief in the empire's self-sufficiency, a stance that delayed reforms until the 19th century. As Peripheet argues, the mission was a

Quote, collision of two civilizations, and quote, each fundamentally unable to comprehend the other's worldview. The Qing hierarchical system clashed with Britain's demand for equality, setting a precedent for future conflict. The expedition's cultural impact was significant. William Alexander's illustrations, widely circulated across Britain and Europe, shaped perceptions of China as both magnificent and exotic. Meanwhile, the Qing's meticulous records of the mission

demonstrated their attention to detail, but also their disinterest in foreign innovation. Maxine Berg notes that the failure to engage with British goods highlighted the economic divide, with Britain's industrial ambition unmet by China's traditional economy. The McCartney expedition was more than just a diplomatic failure. It would prove in time to be,

be a pivotal moment in global history. For Britain, it underscored the challenges of engaging with an empire that operated on fundamentally different principles, paving the way for coercive measures such as the Opium War, which would force China to open its ports to foreign trade. For the Qing, it reinforced a worldview that, while effective in 1793, would prove unsustainable against Western imperialism in the long or even medium term. As Hao Gao argues, the expedition planted seeds of mistrust that shaped Sinai-Western relations for centuries to follow. The mission also highlighted the power of cultural misunderstanding.

The kowtow controversy, the gift exchange, and the Qing's edicts revealed a fundamental disconnect. Britain sought partnership, while the Qing demanded submission. This clash was not merely diplomatic, but indeed philosophical. reflecting competing visions of the world order. Looked at today, the McCartney Expedition can offer us lessons in the complexity of cross-cultural diplomacy. It reminds us that mutual understanding requires navigating differences with patience and respect, a challenge as relevant now as it was in 1793.

And with that, we will leave off here today, picking up next time with the end of the Qianlong. era after six long decades and the dawn of the 19th century. Until then, as ever, thanks for listening. Hey everyone, it's Dan Sousa from America's Test Kitchen. I'm super excited to let you all know that we're launching a new video podcast that takes you behind the scenes into the messy, imperfect but riveting day-to-day life right here in our test kitchen. Not only do I get to talk to my colleagues about the latest taste test they attended. I just came from a tasting of salted caramel

apple pie bars and then roasted garlic, so I apologize. Or about a recipe they're developing. The thing about this recipe is it's a secret. The restaurateur refuses to tell people what her secret ingredients are. We also chat with amazing guests from the culinary world and beyond. The lamest joke I've ever said, and I said to Marie Bamford. That's a great job. It's the great job. Thanks, Sam. Make sure to subscribe to In the Test Kitchen so you don't miss an episode. You can watch In The Test Kitchen on YouTube and Spotify and listen to it wherever you get your podcast. Can't wait to see you in the Test Kitchen.