Opium Wars

The Opium Wars were two conflicts in the mid-19th century between China and Western powers, primarily Britain. They arose from China's attempts to suppress the opium trade, which British merchants were exporting in large quantities, leading to widespread addiction in China. The first war (1839-1842) ended with unfavorable treaties for China, granting British trade rights and territorial control, including Hong Kong. The second war (1856-1860) further expanded foreign influence in China. These wars significantly weakened China's sovereignty, opening it to foreign trade and intervention, and marked the start of a tumultuous period in Chinese history.