First Opium War (sep 4, 1839 – aug 29, 1842)

Description:

Cause (International): While Britain established a sphere of influence over Qing China, they heavily increased opium trade, making China import more than they could export.

Effect (International): Chinese government's attempt to halt the opium trade, which they deemed illegal, failed and sparked war that resulted in British victory.

Cause (Domestic): Japan did not play a part in causing the Opium War.

Effect (Domestic): Japan had observed China's futile attempt to resist illegal Opium trade as well as their humiliation following their defeat; fear of the same treatment caused the Shogun to agree to sign the Convention of Kanagawa (1854) when Commodore Matthew Perry sailed to Japan's coast and attempted to open up trade between Japan and the USA.

Added to timeline:

Date: