Shanghai International Settlement flag (Shanghai Government)
Custom Flag made with Flagmaker & Print. Learn more about our product line-up on the Product Details page.
The Shanghai International Settlement was a unique political entity that existed within Shanghai, China, from 1863 to 1943. It originated from the merger of the British and American concessions in the city. These concessions were established through unequal treaties with the Qing Dynasty, granting extraterritoriality to foreign nationals residing within their boundaries. This meant that foreign citizens were exempt from Chinese law and subject only to the laws of their respective consulates. The Shanghai International Settlement was governed by the Shanghai Municipal Council (SMC), a body composed of representatives from the major foreign powers with interests in Shanghai, including Britain, the United States, Germany, France, Japan, and Italy.
The SMC oversaw a wide range of functions within the Settlement, including policing, sanitation, infrastructure development, and taxation. The Settlement thrived as a center of international trade and finance, attracting a diverse population of foreign businessmen, missionaries, and adventurers. However, it also became a symbol of foreign domination in China, and its privileged status fueled resentment among the Chinese population. The outbreak of World War II and the subsequent Japanese occupation of Shanghai effectively brought an end to the Shanghai International Settlement.
The Japanese dismantled the SMC and imposed their own administration on the area. Although the Settlement was formally returned to China after the war, the concept of foreign concessions in China had been permanently abolished.
Our 3x5ft flags are made of 100% polyester knit; equipped with grommets for an authentic look and feel. This custom flag design is available as both a one-sided wall flag, or a double-sided display flag.
