The Research Of Opium Consumption In Shanghai In The Late Qing Dynasty (1858-1906)

After was defeated in the second opium war, Qing Dynasty was forced to accept the legitimization of opium trade. Huge profits of opium management speeded up the opium market in Modern Shanghai. Particularly wholesale and retail of opium and opium consumption, nurtured a debate on the consumption of opium which was becoming aggravating increasingly. This paper analyzes the opium consumption in Modern Shanghai in a comprehensive way which combines the studies of history and consume-economy. Firstly, this paper analyzes the kinds and sources of opium in Modern Shanghai. Secondly, it analyzes the opium consumption environment and opium consumer. Special social environment in Modern Shanghai had created a special culture of opium consumption. Due to different consumption motivations, there were different consumption consumers in Modern Shanghai. Then this paper makes a simple quantitative analysis about opium consumption in Modern Shanghai. Finally, because of the drawbacks of current affairs, this paper considers that the number of opium consumption had expanded grandly that has caused widespread concern in the community. The existence of opium consumption has led to a series of new social problems. The Late Qing government's opium policies faced with the situation to make a fresh start.