Nanjing Treaty

The Nanjing Treaty, signed in 1842, marked the end of the First Opium War between Britain and China. It was China's first unequal treaty, which forced China to cede Hong Kong to Britain, open five ports to British trade, and grant extraterritorial rights to British citizens. Additionally, China had to pay a large indemnity. This treaty significantly weakened China's sovereignty and marked the beginning of increased foreign intervention and influence in China, leading to further conflicts and treaties that continued to undermine Chinese control over its own affairs.