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What were the Opium Wars?

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Quick answer

The Opium Wars were two 19th-century conflicts between China and Western powers (mainly Britain) over trade and the opium the British sold into China. China's defeats forced open its ports, ceded Hong Kong, and began a long 'century of humiliation'.

Key things to understand

  1. Two wars in the mid-1800s: 1839–42 and 1856–60.
  2. Sparked by British opium trade and trade disputes.
  3. China lost both, forced into unequal treaties.
  4. Britain gained Hong Kong; China's ports were opened.

People also ask

What were the Opium Wars?
Two 19th-century wars between China and Western powers over trade and the opium Britain sold into China.
Why did the Opium Wars happen?
Britain pushed opium into China to balance trade; China's crackdown triggered war.
What were the consequences of the Opium Wars?
China was forced into unequal treaties, opened its ports, and ceded Hong Kong to Britain.