Treaty of Nanjing

The Treaty of Nanjing, signed in 1842, ended the First Opium War between Britain and China. It marked a significant shift in power, forcing China to cede Hong Kong to Britain and open several ports to British trade. The treaty also established extraterritorial rights for British citizens, meaning they were subject to British laws rather than Chinese laws while in China. This treaty is often seen as the beginning of what many in China refer to as the "Century of Humiliation," as it highlighted China's weakened sovereignty and increasing foreign influence during the 19th century.