A Retrospect of the events which are recorded in the preceding pages compels one to realize the extraordinary importance of this unusually short period in the history of China. China was regarded as a static unit, which did not affect the European political system called the balance of power. The Russo-French group were bent upon the political hegemony of China, the British upon the economic opportunity in China. Britain was the only Power who was opposed to a dismemberment of China, because it would impair her great commercial interests there. The dismemberment of China in 1898 and its concomitant effects upon world affairs was only averted by the resistance of Britain to the policy of Russia, France and Germany. They merit careful study by the Chinese because they trace the conduct of the Powers and throw into bold relief the ambitions of foreign Governments with respect to China.