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

Description:

- Series of military engagements fought between the UK and the Qing Dynasty
- 17th and 18th centuries: demand for Chinese goods (silk, porcelain, and tea) in Europe created trade imbalance between Qing Imperial China and the UK
- European Silver flowed into China through the Canton System which confined incoming foreign trade in Canton
- British East India Company began to auction opium grown in India in exchange for silver

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