So, the British captured Hong Kong during the Opium Wars so that they could use as an entrepot to trade with China.
However, by that time, there was already one European colony, Macau, which had been Portuguese since the 16th century.
As Portugal was British puppet for most of the 19th century, I wonder if it would be possible for Britain to have decided not to takeover a new city in China but to "ask" Portugal for some "special favours" so that they could use their colony as an entrepot instead.
This wouldn't be too difficult. Portugal would pass a law allowing British ships to freely dock in Macau at any time they wanted, and Britain would send a consul to the city who would become the real authority there after cucking the Portuguese Governor. British traders could also take over the Leal Senado, Macau's traditional administrative organ which by that time was losing influence to the governor.
So, how would this affect the city? Maybe Britain could have Macau expanded a little bit, and British investement would surely lead to the city developing a lot sooner.
However, by that time, there was already one European colony, Macau, which had been Portuguese since the 16th century.
As Portugal was British puppet for most of the 19th century, I wonder if it would be possible for Britain to have decided not to takeover a new city in China but to "ask" Portugal for some "special favours" so that they could use their colony as an entrepot instead.
This wouldn't be too difficult. Portugal would pass a law allowing British ships to freely dock in Macau at any time they wanted, and Britain would send a consul to the city who would become the real authority there after cucking the Portuguese Governor. British traders could also take over the Leal Senado, Macau's traditional administrative organ which by that time was losing influence to the governor.
So, how would this affect the city? Maybe Britain could have Macau expanded a little bit, and British investement would surely lead to the city developing a lot sooner.