The Opium Wars

The Opium Wars were two wars between China and Western countries, mainly Britain. The first war lasted from 1839 to 1842 and the second from 1856 to 1860. Britain had been selling a dangerous drug called opium to China, and the Chinese government wanted to stop it. When China tried to ban the drug, Britain attacked. The wars forced China to accept unfair treaties and give up land, including Hong Kong.

The Problem with Opium

Opium is a harmful drug that made people very sick. British traders brought opium from India and sold it in China. Millions of Chinese people became addicted to the drug. The Chinese government tried to stop the trade because it was hurting the country. A Chinese official destroyed a large amount of opium that belonged to British traders. Britain used this as a reason to start a war.

The Results of the Wars

China lost both wars. Britain had more powerful ships and weapons. After the first war, China had to give Hong Kong to Britain and open its ports to foreign trade. After the second war, even more unfair treaties were forced on China. The Opium Wars weakened China and made many Chinese people feel angry and humiliated. These feelings helped lead to later movements for change in China.

Important Facts

• Hong Kong was given to Britain after the first Opium War and was not returned to China until 1997.
• The Chinese official Lin Zexu destroyed over 20,000 chests of opium to try to stop the trade.
• The Opium Wars opened up five Chinese ports to foreign trade.

Did You Know?

The Opium Wars are still remembered as a major turning point in China's history and in its relationships with other countries.