Discuss the reasons why the western powers imposed unequal treaties on China in the 1840s.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons why the western powers imposed unequal treaties on China that includes a range of arguments and factors. Candidates may suggest that the treaties reflected the western grievances that caused the First Opium War. Additionally or alternatively, candidates may consider how the circumstances of the war shaped the treaties and how their terms guaranteed the interests of the different western countries. Candidates may also question the extent to which they were unequal given that China did gain some benefit from the increased trade. No set response is expected; therefore, candidates may choose a chronological or a thematic approach.