During the 19th century, British merchants profited from selling opium produced in India to China, fueling widespread addiction and escalating tensions with the Qing Dynasty.
When Chinese authorities attempted to suppress the illegal opium trade, Britain responded with military force. The resulting Opium Wars weakened China's sovereignty, expanded Western commercial influence, and helped shape what later became known as the "Century of Humiliation."
In this history documentary, discover:
How Britain's opium trade helped address its trade imbalance with China
Why Qing officials attempted to stop opium trafficking
What happened during the First Opium War (1839–1842) and Second Opium War (1856–1860)
How the Treaty of Nanjing led to the cession of Hong Kong
Why the Opium Wars remain significant in Chinese history and international relations today
From the British Empire's commercial ambitions to China's struggle against foreign intervention, this documentary explores how trade, addiction, and military power transformed East Asia.
Were the Opium Wars really about free trade, or were they driven by imperial expansion?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
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