The activities of the American consulate in Guangzhou during the first opium war (1839-1842)

The research analyzed the activities of the U.S. Consulate in Canton (Guangzhou) during the First Opium War that initiated the opening of China to Western powers. At that time, the American Consulate in Guangzhou stepped up its efforts to protect the interests of American citizens and European traders in this city as well. The U.S. Consul at this port P.W. Snow and Vice Consul W. Delano mediated between Qing authorities and American merchants being the belligerent parties, defended American trade, requested the United States Government to change the policy towards Qing China, and established diplomatic relations with them. Thanks to its consular service in Guangzhou and the Commander of the East India Squadron, Washington was well informed about the status of the Qing Empire, which gave it the opportunity to respond to and change its policy towards China.