Greenwich Young Peoples Theatre Ltd.
EMPIRE MADE
TOP JUNIOR PROGRAMME TEACHERS NOTES
SUMMER 1977
Introduction
The first part of the teachers' notes contains information about the situation in Hong Kong, including historical, geographical, economic and political background. The second part of the notes illustrates child labour in England during the Industrial Revolution, with specific reference to London.
At the request of teachers at the teachers' meeting, some of the booklets used for research are now available to be bought at the Centre. A set of slides on Hong Kong may also be borrowed immediately after the performance, for follow-up work.
HONG KONG BACKGROUND INFORMATION
GEOGRAPHY
Population and Climate
Hong Kong is a British crown colony.
It consists of 236 island some uninhabited and a portion of“ Chinese mainland..
Total land area 404 square miles.
Population 4.4 million (1975 census)
Most important island is Hong Kong island. Hong Kong island ceded to Britain in 1852 and Kowloon in 1850.
The whole area leased from China in 1898 for 99 years.
98% of the population is Chinese 58% born in Hong Kong.
Language
A
English and Chinese given equal status and equal use in government. business. English widely used in commerce. Cantonese spoken language of majority of the people but other Chinese dialects spoken.
Climate
Sub-tropical and monsoonal.
Winter cool and dry
humid.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
J
summer hot and“
Britain's involvement in opium trade in first half of 19th century led to the handing over of £2 145,00 worth of opium from British to Chinese - destroyed by the Chinese - Britain demanded a commercial treaty which would put the opium situation on a satisfactory footing or cession of an island where Britain could keep a trading route open under own flag led to first Opium War 1840-2 - easily won by Britain - military superiority.
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Private notes are available after approval.