Opium Wars in China (jan 4, 1839 – jan 4, 1860)
Description:
A series of conflicts between China and Britain (later joined by France) over the illegal opium trade. Britain wanted to trade opium in China to balance its trade deficit with the Qing dynasty, but China’s resistance led to war. The Treaty of Nanjing and subsequent agreements forced China to open its ports to foreign trade, cede Hong Kong to Britain, and grant other concessions.Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 4, 1839
jan 4, 1860
~ 21 years