French Concession

Definition

The French Concession was a foreign concession in Shanghai, China from 1849 to 1946, where the French government had extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Analogy

The French Concession is like a VIP section in a concert (Shanghai) that's exclusively controlled by a specific group (French). They can set their own rules and enjoy privileges not available to others in the general area.

Related terms

Extraterritoriality: A state of being exempted from the jurisdiction of local law, usually as the result of diplomatic negotiations. This was applicable in the French Concession.

Treaty Ports: These were ports that were opened to foreign trade by unequal treaties in China. Shanghai was one such port where French Concession was located.

Sino-French War: A conflict between China and France (1884-1885) over control of Vietnam, which led to increased French influence in the region including concessions like those in Shanghai.