The Opium Wars

The Opium Wars were two conflicts in the mid-19th century between Britain and China. They arose primarily over Britain's illegal trade of opium in China, which led to widespread addiction and social issues. When China attempted to suppress the opium trade, Britain responded militarily. The First Opium War (1839-1842) resulted in a British victory and the Treaty of Nanking, which ceded Hong Kong to Britain and opened several ports to British trade. The Second Opium War (1856-1860) further expanded British control and influence in China, leading to lasting repercussions in Sino-British relations and China's sovereignty.