The Opium War (book)

The Opium War, primarily fought between Britain and China in the mid-19th century (1839-1842), stemmed from China's attempts to suppress the opium trade, which Britain promoted to balance trade deficits. China's enforcement of drug laws led to conflict, resulting in the British victory. The war ended with the Treaty of Nanking, where China ceded Hong Kong to Britain and opened several ports to British trade. This marked the beginning of significant foreign influence and control in China, contributing to a period of national humiliation and setting the stage for further conflicts and reforms in the country.