The First Opium War

The First Opium War (1839-1842) was a conflict between Britain and China over trade issues, mainly Britain’s illegal export of opium into China. China wanted to stop the opium trade to protect its society, but Britain resisted, insisting on free trade and asserting its economic interests. The war ended with the Treaty of Nanjing, which favored Britain by opening several Chinese ports to foreign trade and ceding Hong Kong. This conflict marked the beginning of a period of unequal treaties and increased Western influence in China.