Opium Wars I (jan 2, 1839 – sep 25, 1843)
Description:
The British Empire wanted access to China's markets, and found that selling opium (a highly addictive drug) could make them lots of money. So, they fought a war against the Qing Dynasty. Superior British technology allowed them victory and secured several ports that the British could use to sell goods (like Opium). This starts a slow crumbling of Chinese independence and increasing European influence.
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