History
What is The Opium Wars?
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'.
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Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains the opium wars.
Key things to understand
- 1Two wars in the mid-1800s: 1839–42 and 1856–60.
- 2Sparked by British opium trade and trade disputes.
- 3China lost both, forced into unequal treaties.
- 4Britain gained Hong Kong; China's ports were opened.
Frequently asked questions
- 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.