Beginning in 1835, Britain traded opium grown in India for Chinese tea which was very popular. Many Chinese people became addicted and therefore spent a large sum of silver for the drug. It is estimated that as much as 10% of China's population had been reached by opium by the late 1800s. This greatly disrupted the economy and caused the people who spiraled into addicted to go into poverty. China outlawed the drug and called on the British to end the trade, but the British refused. Later, in 1839, Chinese military vessels battled with British merchants triggering the Opium War. Here the Chinese stood no chance due to their lack of technology and were easily defeated in battle. After the Opium War, in 1842, Britain forced China to accept the Treaty of Nanjing. Here the British received a large indemnity (payment for losses during the war) as well as the island of Hong Kong and the nearby coast. China was also forced to open five ports for foreign trade and give British citizens living in China extraterritoriality (right to live under British law and be tried in their own courts). This was one of a series of “unequal treaties” that forced China change for the western powers.
Additionally, a second Opium War took place from 1856-1860. This time Britain was joined by France, Russia, and the United States. The Chinese ultimately lost this war twice. The first time they accepted the Treaties of Tianjin. The second time they accepted the Convention of Peking.
Additionally, a second Opium War took place from 1856-1860. This time Britain was joined by France, Russia, and the United States. The Chinese ultimately lost this war twice. The first time they accepted the Treaties of Tianjin. The second time they accepted the Convention of Peking.